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MENISCUS TEARS |
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| Patient
Education Page
KNEE TOPICS *These pages are intended for informational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Please consult a physician for specific diagnosis and treatment options*
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There
are two menisci within the knee. The medial meniscus and lateral
meniscus are C-shaped tough rubbery type cartilage that act as a shock
absorber or buffer between the tibia and femur of the knee. The
meniscus can tear because of a direct injury such as in sports activities
or relating to an accident. The meniscus can gradually thin out and
tear because of general "wear and tear" of the knee.
SYMPTOMS When the meniscus is torn, it will move around abnormally within the knee joint. It may become caught in a certain position in the knee causing pain, swelling and may be difficult to move. If a torn meniscus is left untreated it can cause wear of the articular cartilage inside your knee which can eventually lead to further problems such as arthritis. DIAGNOSIS During the office visit, a history and physical exam will be done as the first step in diagnosing the problem. An xray may be taken to determine if there are any other detectable problems within your knee. The meniscus and knee ligaments will not show up on xray. If the history and physical do not give a definitive diagnosis, then an MRI scan may be ordered. The MRI will identify the meniscus and ligaments in your knee which can help to determine if a tear is present. TREATMENT The surgical treatment for a meniscus tear is to remove the torn meniscus (partial menisectomy) or repair of the meniscus (meniscus repair). If a partial menisectomy is performed, only the torn portion of the meniscus will be removed, leaving a healthy portion of meniscus to act as a shock absorber for the knee joint. Performing a meniscus repair depends on the patient's age, the location of the tear and how severe the tear is. There are a few different methods of repairing the meniscus. Which method to use is dependent on the size and severity of the tear, as well as, doctor's preference. One method of meniscus repair is to suture the meniscus in place. Another method is to place a plastic anchor or tack in the meniscus to hold it in place. After the surgery, the patient will have an ace bandage on their knee and will ambulate possibly with crutches if needed. An exercise regime will be outlined by your doctor. The recovery period may be slightly extended for patients who have undergone a meniscus repair to give the meniscus time to heal. |