Where in Dubai
Dr. Subhash sees knee pain and meniscus tears at Grand Infinity Medical Center in Al Muteena, Deira. Many tears do not need an operation, so the first visit is about finding the cause and agreeing a plan. He may arrange an MRI. If surgery is needed later, he tells you which hospital it will be in and what your insurance needs.
What is meniscus tear treatment?
Each knee has two menisci. They are C-shaped pads of tough, rubbery cartilage that sit between the thigh bone and shin bone and act as shock absorbers. When people talk about torn knee cartilage, they usually mean a torn meniscus. Younger people often tear it in sport, by twisting on a bent knee. In people over about 40, the meniscus becomes weaker with age and can tear during an ordinary movement, such as getting up from squatting. Many tears settle without surgery. Some, especially those that make the knee lock, need keyhole surgery to repair or trim the torn part.
Common signs
- Pain on the inner or outer side of the knee after a twist.
- Swelling and stiffness that build up over a day or two.
- A knee that catches, clicks or locks, or will not straighten fully.
- Pain when squatting, kneeling or sitting on the floor.
- A feeling that the knee may give way.
How Dr. Subhash approaches it
Dr. Subhash performs knee arthroscopy, including meniscus repair, and arthroscopy is one of his stated main interests. He matches the treatment to the type of tear, your age and your symptoms. Many tears, especially wear-related ones, are treated first with physiotherapy and activity changes. When surgery is needed, he explains whether the tear can be stitched or whether the torn part must be trimmed, and what that means for your recovery.
What to expect
Consultation
He asks how the pain started, examines the knee and checks whether it locks or gives way.
Scans
X-rays check for arthritis. An MRI shows the tear, its type and any ligament damage.
Treatment without surgery
For many tears, the first step is physiotherapy to strengthen the thigh muscles, with ice, rest from twisting and pain relief.
Keyhole surgery if needed
If the knee locks or the pain persists, arthroscopy may be advised to stitch the tear or trim the torn edge. It is usually day surgery.
Follow-up
He reviews your progress and guides your return to work and sport.
Getting better
Every patient is different. These are typical milestones, not a promise; your own plan comes from your consultation.
- Without surgery, many tears improve over six weeks to three months of exercises.
- After trimming, most people walk within days and return to sport in about six weeks.
- After a repair, crutches and a brace are often needed for several weeks, and sport waits about four to six months so the stitches can heal.
- Strong thigh muscles protect the knee in the long term.
Risks to know about
- Infection or a blood clot after surgery, both uncommon.
- A repaired meniscus that does not heal and needs further surgery.
- Earlier wear and tear in the knee, especially when a large part of the meniscus is removed.
When to book a visit
Book a visit if your knee is still painful or swollen a few weeks after a twist, or if it catches or gives way. Seek help the same day if your knee is locked and will not straighten, or if it is hot, red and you have a fever.
Where to book
Dr. Subhash sees patients at Grand Infinity Medical Center in Al Muteena, Deira, in north-east Dubai. The clinic is at Shop No. 4, next to the Grand Excelsior Hotel.
Grand Infinity Medical Center
Shop No. 4, next to Grand Excelsior Hotel, Al Muteena, Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Questions patients ask
Can I get physiotherapy near home while he manages my knee?
Yes. Dubai has many physiotherapy centres, and you can usually attend one near home or work. Bring their notes to your follow-up so he can see your progress. Check how many sessions your insurance plan covers.
Will a torn meniscus heal on its own?
The outer edge of the meniscus has a blood supply and small tears there can heal. The inner part does not. Even so, many tears stop causing symptoms with physiotherapy, so surgery is not automatic.
Is it better to repair the meniscus or remove the torn part?
Keeping the meniscus protects the knee from wear, so repair is preferred when the tear is suitable. Many tears cannot be stitched because of their shape or position. He explains which applies to your knee after seeing the MRI.
Can I keep walking on a torn meniscus?
Most people can walk on it. Avoid twisting, deep squatting and sport until you have been assessed, because these can make the tear bigger.
Book an appointment
The clinic confirms every booking by phone or WhatsApp.