Meniscus Tears

A meniscus tear is a common knee injury that affects people of all ages, from athletes to older adults. The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage in the knee that acts as a cushion between the thigh bone (femur) and the shin bone (tibia). Each knee has two menisci—one on the inside (medial) and one on the outside (lateral). These structures help stabilize the knee joint and absorb shock during activities like walking, running, and jumping. When a meniscus tears, it can cause pain, swelling, and limited knee function.

Causes of Meniscus Tears

Meniscus tears can result from various activities and conditions, including:

• Twisting Movements: A sudden twist or turn of the knee, often while the foot is planted on the ground, can cause the meniscus to tear. This is common in sports like soccer, basketball, and tennis.
• Direct Impact: A blow to the knee, such as in contact sports or accidents, can lead to a meniscus tear.
• Aging and Degeneration: As people age, the meniscus can weaken and become more susceptible to tears, even from simple movements like squatting or stepping.
• Repetitive Stress: Activities that involve repetitive knee motion, such as kneeling or lifting, can wear down the meniscus over time, leading to a tear.

Symptoms of a Meniscus Tear

The symptoms of a meniscus tear can vary depending on the severity and location of the tear. Common signs include:

• Pain: Sharp or aching pain in the knee, often on the side where the tear occurred. Pain may worsen with twisting, squatting, or other knee movements.
• Swelling: Swelling may occur within the first 24 hours of the injury, indicating inflammation and fluid buildup in the knee joint.
• Stiffness and Limited Range of Motion: The knee may feel stiff, and it may be difficult to fully bend or straighten the leg.
• Locking or Catching Sensation: Some people experience a sensation of the knee locking or catching, where the knee temporarily gets stuck in one position.
• Instability: A feeling that the knee is giving way or unable to support your weight can occur with more severe tears.

Diagnosis and Treatment

If you suspect a meniscus tear, it’s important to seek medical evaluation. A doctor will assess your symptoms, perform a physical examination, and may use imaging tests like an MRI to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the tear.

Treatment Options for Meniscus Tears

The treatment for a meniscus tear depends on the type, size, and location of the tear, as well as the patient’s age, activity level, and overall health:

• Conservative Treatment: Small or stable tears may heal with non-surgical methods, including:

  • Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE): These initial steps can help reduce pain and swelling.
  • Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can guide you through exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve flexibility, and restore function.
  • Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications can help manage symptoms.

• Surgical Treatment: If the tear is large, causes significant symptoms, or does not respond to conservative treatments, surgery may be necessary:

  • Arthroscopic Surgery: The most common surgical procedure for meniscus tears is arthroscopy, a minimally invasive surgery where small instruments and a camera are inserted into the knee to repair or remove the damaged portion of the meniscus.
  • Meniscus Repair: If possible, the surgeon will stitch the torn edges of the meniscus back together to promote healing.
  • Meniscectomy: In some cases, the damaged part of the meniscus is removed to alleviate symptoms and improve knee function.