Dr. Lehman Discusses the Meniscus Implant on Fox 2 News In The Morning

Knee pain can significantly impact your quality of life, whether you’re an athlete or simply trying to stay active. One of the most common causes of knee pain is damage to the meniscus, a small but essential piece of cartilage that cushions the joint. Meniscus damage is painful and has often problematic to treat, but not anymore!

Dr. Rick Lehman, a globally recognized orthopedic surgeon in Menlo Park, CA, stops by Fox 2 News in the Morning to discuss an innovative solution that is changing how meniscus injuries are treated: the meniscus implant.

Typically, surgeons have treated meniscus damage by removing a portion of the meniscus. This procedure can prove uncomfortable for patients, as it can lead to future joint pain. With this new treatment option, patients receive an artificial meniscus that cushions the bones and allows for greater mobility. Patients can live the rest of their lives with the implant as it helps to prevent future injury and minimize the effects of arthritis.

Watch the full segment:

The meniscus plays a critical role in knee health. Located between the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone), it functions like a:

• Shock absorber, reducing impact during activity
• Stabilizer, supporting proper joint alignment
• Protector, preventing wear and tear on cartilage

When the meniscus is torn or worn down, patients often experience:

• Pain with movement
• Swelling or stiffness
• Difficulty walking, running, or pivoting

As Dr. Rick Lehman explains, the traditional approach to treating meniscus tears has often involved removing the damaged portion of the cartilage.

While this can provide short-term relief, it comes with important drawbacks:

• Loss of natural cushioning in the knee
• Increased stress on the joint
• Greater risk of arthritis over time

For many patients, this leads to ongoing discomfort and, eventually, consideration of more invasive procedures like orthopedic knee surgery.

Dr. Lehman highlights a newer, more advanced option, the meniscus implant.

This procedure involves placing a small, durable implant into the knee to replace the missing cartilage. The implant acts as an artificial cushion, helping to:

• Prevent bone-on-bone contact
• Reduce pain and inflammation
• Restore more natural joint mechanics

One of the most important advantages discussed by Dr. Lehman is the ability of the meniscus implant to delay or prevent knee replacement surgery.

This makes it especially valuable for:

• Active individuals
• Younger patients with meniscus loss
• Patients looking to preserve their natural joint