Can Osteophytes Be Removed with Arthroscopic Surgery? How to Treat Bone Spurs in the Knee and Protect a Torn Meniscus

If you're dealing with knee pain, torn meniscus issues, and have been told you have osteophytes (a.k.a. bone spurs), you're not alone. These pesky growths often show up on X-rays or MRIs, and the big question is: What can you actually do about them? Can you get them removed? Should you? And is arthroscopic knee surgery the answer?

Let’s break this down in real talk. No fluff. Just what you need to know if you're living with these joint issues and want relief that lasts.

Osteophytes are bony growths that develop along the edges of bones, often in joints. They are your body's way of trying to compensate for joint instability, cartilage wear, or degeneration. In the knee joint, osteophytes often form as a result of:

• Osteoarthritis

• Old injuries

• Repetitive stress

• Age-related cartilage loss

The problem? These bone spurs don’t just “sit there.” Over time, they:

• Limit joint mobility

• Cause inflammation

• Rub against soft tissues like the meniscus or ligaments

• Accelerate cartilage wear

And yes, they can contribute to or worsen a torn meniscus—especially if they interfere with normal joint movement or create pressure inside the joint capsule.

A torn meniscus combined with osteophytes is like having sand in your engine. You’re trying to move, but things grind and catch. The meniscus is supposed to cushion and stabilize your knee, but once it’s torn—and you throw bone spurs into the mix—you get:

• Sharp pain during movement

• Swelling after activity

• Limited range of motion

• Clicking or locking

• Joint stiffness, especially in the morning

So, what’s the next move?

Yes—arthroscopic surgery can be used to remove osteophytes in certain cases, especially when they are causing mechanical symptoms like joint locking, restricted movement, or are interfering with other structures like the meniscus.

But here’s the key: not all osteophytes should be removed.

Orthopedic surgeons weigh a few factors:

• Are the bone spurs causing symptoms? If they’re just sitting there quietly, many doctors won’t touch them.

• Are they interfering with the meniscus or joint function? If yes, removal may be part of your treatment.

• What’s your overall knee health? In more advanced arthritis, removing bone spurs doesn’t always solve the problem—it may even destabilize the joint further.

In your case, where you have a torn meniscus and osteophytes, arthroscopy may serve a dual purpose:

• Trim or repair the torn meniscus

• Smooth or remove irritating osteophytes

This can relieve pain and restore function—but it’s rarely a “cure.” Bone spurs tend to form again if the underlying cause (usually osteoarthritis or joint degeneration) isn’t addressed.

Let’s keep it real: arthroscopic surgery is not a miracle fix. It comes with:

• Recovery time (several weeks to months)

• Possibility that bone spurs return

• No guarantee of pain relief if joint degeneration is advanced

It can absolutely help if the bone spurs are physically impinging structures, but if the whole joint is compromised, you may need a broader strategy.

Even if surgery is on the table, you want to slow the progression of bone spur formation and protect your knee long-term. Here’s your action plan:

1. Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition

Osteophyte formation is part of a larger inflammatory cycle. You can reduce inflammation and joint stress through:

• Omega-3s (fatty fish, flaxseed)

• Turmeric/curcumin

• Leafy greens, berries, and bone broth

• Cut refined sugar, seed oils, and excess dairy

2. Maintain Healthy Weight

Every extra kilo on your body adds 4-6x the force on your knees. Dropping weight = less grinding = less stimulus for osteophyte growth.

3. Joint-Specific Exercise

Yes, you should move—but smartly.

• Focus on low-impact training (cycling, swimming)

• Include strengthening of the quads, hamstrings, and glutes

• Prioritize mobility work and range-of-motion drills

Avoid deep squats, running on pavement, or twisting sports if you're inflamed.

4. Supplements That Support Cartilage & Bone Health

Talk to your provider about:

• Glucosamine & chondroitin

• MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)

• Collagen peptides

• Vitamin D3 + K2

• Magnesium + Boron

These may help slow cartilage breakdown and support joint integrity.

5. Stem Cell Activation or PRP

Some clinics offer regenerative therapies like:

• PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) injections

• Stem cell therapy (from your own body or exosomes)

They aim to stimulate cartilage repair and may help reduce osteophyte formation indirectly by restoring balance in the joint.

6. Joint Decompression & Physical Therapy

Manual therapies that unload the knee joint (traction, decompression machines) along with targeted physical therapy can improve alignment and reduce the mechanical irritation caused by bone spurs.

7. Mindset & Movement Patterns

How you move matters. Learning joint-safe movement patterns, like engaging hips instead of knees in daily activities, protects you long-term. Don’t sit and wait for surgery—take back control.

You’ve got osteophytes in your knees and a torn meniscus—and you’re looking for a strategy that isn’t just masking pain. Here's the real answer:

• Yes, arthroscopic surgery can remove osteophytes—but only if they’re causing problems.

• Focus on reducing inflammation, supporting joint mechanics, and slowing degeneration.

• Be your own advocate. Ask the surgeon: "Are the bone spurs impinging structures or causing loss of motion?" If yes, removal may help.

• Pair any surgical intervention with lifestyle changes, or the spurs might just come back.

Remember: this isn’t about passively accepting knee pain. It’s about using every tool—from surgery to supplements to smart movement—to keep your joints strong and your future mobile.

You’ve got this. Keep moving forward.