Well, yes and no. Depending on the type of meniscus tear you have, you may feel it "lock" in place when you bend or straighten it. This is a typical symptom of certain types of meniscus tears that may require surgery. If this resonates with you, consult your doctor or physical therapist for options. On the other hand, a lot of cartilage tears have mild symptoms; some have none at all. So, if your knees feel comfortable and stable enough to move, then, yes, you can bend your knee.