A partially torn meniscus typically begins with conservative treatment approaches before surgery is considered. Initial treatment often follows the RICE protocol: Rest to avoid activities that aggravate knee pain (especially twisting or pivoting movements), Ice applied for 15 minutes every 4-6 hours to reduce swelling, Compression bandages, and Elevation of the leg.12 Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen can help manage pain and swelling during this period.13

Recovery time for a meniscus tear treated without surgery varies based on the tear's location and severity. Tears in areas with better blood flow may heal in 4-6 weeks, while complete recovery can take up to 12 months with proper rehabilitation.45 Physical therapy plays a crucial role in recovery, first focusing on reducing pain and maintaining knee motion, then progressing to strength training exercises that gradually increase in intensity as healing occurs.45 The goal is to restore full knee function through "relative rest" – staying as active as possible without increasing pain or swelling during activity or in the following 24 hours.5

Arthroscopic debridement is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that removes damaged cartilage, bone fragments, and other debris from the knee joint to reduce pain and improve mobility.12 During the procedure, the surgeon makes small keyhole incisions around the knee and inserts an arthroscope—a thin tool with a camera that projects images onto a monitor in the operating room.34 Sterile fluid is injected to expand the joint space for better visibility, and specialized instruments are used to wash away debris (lavage) and remove or smooth rough edges of damaged tissue.25

The outpatient procedure is typically performed under local, regional, or general anesthesia, allowing patients to return home the same day.14 Recovery involves initial use of crutches to avoid weight-bearing, with swelling typically subsiding within the first week.1 Physical therapy follows to strengthen surrounding muscles, with most patients able to resume normal activities, including sports, within 4-6 weeks.1 This common orthopedic treatment is primarily used for osteoarthritis but can also address meniscus tears and other knee injuries.125

Brown managed his knee injury through a combination of rest and medical interventions during the crucial late-season stretch and playoffs. According to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne, he began receiving pain management injections in his knee in March to help him continue playing despite the partially torn meniscus.12 These injections were part of a strategic approach to promote healing while allowing him to remain on the court during Boston's playoff push.1

Despite the discomfort, Brown demonstrated remarkable resilience, acknowledging after an April game against Miami that he had "come to grips that every night, I'm not gonna feel like my normal self."3 Though he missed six games over a 13-game stretch late in the regular season to rest the knee, Brown didn't miss any playoff action, appearing in all 11 postseason games.4 Even with limited explosiveness, he maintained impressive production, averaging 22.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists throughout the playoffs.45 This performance underscored his commitment to the team despite physical limitations, with Brown himself stating, "I don't make excuses" after Boston's elimination by the New York Knicks.4