Whether a 3rd degree meniscus tear is serious or not is a relative matter. Compared to 1st and 2nd degree meniscus tears, 3rd degree meniscus tears are more serious, the injury mostly extends to the joint surface, and surgical treatment is often required.
A 1st degree meniscus injury means that only the edge of the meniscus is injured, while a 2nd degree meniscus injury means that the inner part of the meniscus is injured, but the joint surface is not injured; 1st and 2nd degree meniscus tears are relatively minor injuries, and can be treated conservatively in the clinic, such as external fixation of the knee joint with braking and pain relieving drugs such as ibuprofen.
The 3rd degree meniscus injury indicates that the meniscus damage extends to the joint surface, which is the most serious type of injury. Simple conservative treatment is ineffective, and most of them need to be given surgical treatment, such as arthroscopic meniscus repair, and meniscectomy can be given if necessary.
When the meniscus is torn, it is recommended that the patient consult a doctor in a timely manner to give appropriate treatment by a professional physician for the patient’s condition, and the medication needs to be used under the guidance of a professional physician.