Which specialist to see for a meniscus tearFor degenerative meniscus tears, recent evidence shows surgery offers no advantage over physiotherapy; for traumatic tears without mechanical instability, six months of conservative management must precede any orthopaedic referral. Urgent specialist assessment is reserved for locked knees, acute injuries in younger patients within three to eight weeks of injury, and…For degenerative meniscus tears, recent evidence shows surgery offers no advantage over physiotherapy; for traumatic tears without mechanical instability, six months of conservative management must precede any orthopaedic referral. Urgent specialist assessment is reserved for locked knees, acute injuries in younger patients within three to eight weeks of injury, and persistent mechanical symptoms.