Knee injuries are common in Pennsylvania workers’ compensation. Over the years, we have had many clients with a torn meniscus in his or her knee. This is generally regarded as a minor injury by the insurance industry, a perception we have never understood.
Recently, Minnesota Vikings Quarterback J.J. McCarthy injured his knee. Further testing revealed a torn meniscus. Note that the referenced article describes the meniscus as a “tendon,” though it is not. The meniscus is a piece of cartilage in the knee. Essentially, the meniscus functions as a cushion between the “tibia” (shin bone) and the “femur” (thigh bone).
Surgery is often required to address a meniscus tear, though it is not usually the first avenue to try (that said, Mr. McCarthy had the surgery immediately and will miss the entire 2024 season while recovering). Typically, in our experience, an injured worker will receive conservative treatment initially, in an effort to avoid surgery. If surgery is eventually required, this obviously extends the total period the injured worker may be out of work.