Meniscal Damage: The Hidden Trigger of Knee Osteoarthritis

By Dr. Andres - Family Medical Practice Vietnam

Worldwide, knee osteoarthritis is often diagnosed in its early stages using only plain X-rays. Patients are usually told they have mild joint degeneration and follow a standard treatment plan: oral painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, glucosamine supplements, corticosteroid injections, Hyaluronic Acid, and PRP injections. Though these treatments may offer temporary relief, they frequently fail to address the underlying mechanical cause of knee osteoarthritis.

Since 2018, I have been practicing in Hanoi, and since 2019, I have dedicated myself to meniscus preservation, specifically, identifying and treating subtle meniscal injuries in patients diagnosed with early knee osteoarthritis. Over the years, I have noticed that many of these patients have meniscal root tears or radial tears, injuries that cannot be detected with X-rays alone.

These meniscal injuries significantly impact knee biomechanics. When the meniscus becomes unstable or detaches, it can no longer serve as a shock absorber. It may shift or fold behind the tibial plateau, putting abnormal stress on the cartilage and accelerating joint degeneration. Unfortunately, many of these lesions are missed during initial evaluations, leading patients down a path of symptomatic treatment that does not address the root problem of knee osteoarthritis.

MRI: a key tool in early knee osteoarthritis diagnosis

MRI has become crucial in our diagnostic process. When signs like joint space narrowing, subchondral sclerosis, or osteophytes appear on X-rays, we use MRI to assess the true structural condition of the knee joint. More often than not, we detect meniscal injuries that are both the source of pain and treatable.

Modern treatment: meniscus repair and preservation

Many of these injuries can be repaired with minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery. This approach allows us to restore the meniscus’s anatomical and biomechanical function, improve knee stability, and slow or prevent progression to advanced knee osteoarthritis or joint replacement.

One of the most encouraging findings in our practice is the biological healing seen on follow-up imaging. Patients who undergo repair of meniscal lesions, often with associated cartilage injuries, frequently show signs of fibrocartilage regeneration and meniscal healing on MRI at three and six months. Clinically, this means increased knee stability, returning to daily activities within 6 to 8 weeks, and gradually resuming sports by around week 12.

Why early detection matters

I have been privileged to care for many members of Hanoi’s international community - expatriates, diplomats, and professionals, who are committed to maintaining their mobility and quality of life. For these individuals, just managing pain is often not enough. They seek a deeper understanding and a long-term solution for knee osteoarthritis.

If you have been diagnosed with early-stage knee osteoarthritis or are experiencing persistent knee pain, consider seeking a second opinion that includes a high-resolution MRI. What appears to be mild degeneration may, in fact, be a treatable mechanical injury. With timely intervention, it is often possible to restore function and preserve the joint before permanent damage occurs.

Here in Hanoi, we have the tools and expertise to offer modern orthopedic care. My goal remains focused on preserving natural joint function whenever possible, because early diagnosis and the proper approach can make all the difference in managing knee osteoarthritis effectively. - Family Medical Practice

Dr Andres Sosa, an expert in orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine, specialises in advanced meniscus repair techniques. With training in Italy, the US, Spain and Singapore, he brings world-class expertise to Hà Nội, offering personalised care for active individuals and professionals.

FMP Healthcare Group operates medical centres in major cities including HCMC, Hà Nội and Đà Nẵng, offering consultations with international doctors, check-up centres and emergency ambulance services.

Visit FMP Hanoi 24/7 at 298I Kim Mã Street, Ngọc Hà Ward, Hà Nội.

To book an appointment, please call (024).3843.0784, or contact via WhatsApp, Viber or Zalo on +84.944.43.1919 or email hanoi@vietnammedicalpractice.com.