What is a Meniscus Tear?
In sports and orthopedics, a tear of a meniscus is a rupturing of one or more of the fibrocartilage strips in the knee called menisci. When doctors and patients refer to "torn cartilage" in the knee, they actually may be referring to an injury to a meniscus at the top of one of the tibiae. Menisci can be torn during innocuous activities such as walking or squatting. They can also be torn by traumatic force encountered in sports or other forms of physical exertion. The traumatic action is most often a twisting movement at the knee while the leg is bent. In older adults, the meniscus can be damaged following prolonged 'wear and tear' called a degenerative tear.
Tears can lead to pain and/or swelling of the knee joint. Especially acute injuries (typically in younger, more active patients) can lead to displaced tears which can cause mechanical symptoms such as clicking, catching, or locking during motion of the knee joint.[1] The joint will be in pain when in use, but when there is no load, the pain goes away.
Symptoms of Meniscus Tear
The Symptoms of a torn meniscus will vary depending on the severity of the tear. Someone who gets a minor tear may only have slight pain and swelling that goes away after 2 or 3 weeks. Moderate to severe tears also might cause these symptoms:
- A "pop" in the knee when the tear occurs.
- Pain in the center or side of the knee, especially when twisting the knee or squatting.
- Limited Range of Motion.
- The feeling as if the knee is locking or popping when bending; it might not straighten.
- The Knee feeling like it is giving way (not able to bear body weight) without warning.
Diagnosis of Meniscus Tear
Physical Examination and Patient History : After discussing your symptoms and medical history, your doctor will examine your knee. He or she will check for tenderness along the joint line where the meniscus sits. This often signals a tear.
One of the main tests for meniscal tears is the McMurray test. Your doctor will bend your knee, then rotate and straighten. This puts tension on a torn meniscus. If you have a meniscal tear, this movement will cause a clicking sound. Your knee will click each time your doctor does the test.
Imaging Tests : Because other knee problems cause similar symptoms, your doctor may order imaging tests to help confirm the diagnosis.
- X-rays : Although X-rays do not show meniscal tears, they may show other causes of knee pain, such as osteoarthritis.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) : This study can create better images of the soft tissues of your knee joint
Treatment for Meniscus Tear at HealthTripToIndia Affiliated at Super Speciality Hospitals in India
How your orthopaedic surgeon treats your tear will depend on the type of tear you have, its size, and location.The outside one-third of the meniscus has a rich blood supply. A tear in this "red" zone may heal on its own, or can often be repaired with surgery. A longitudinal tear is an example of this kind of tear. Along with the type of tear you have, your age, activity level, and any related injuries will factor into your treatment plan.
Non-Surgical Treatment : Because other knee problems cause similar symptoms, your doctor may order imaging tests to help confirm the diagnosis.
RICE : The RICE protocol is effective for most sports-related injuries. RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.
- Rest : Take a break from the activity that caused the injury. Your doctor may recommend that you use crutches to avoid putting weight on your leg.
- Magnetic Ice : Use cold packs for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. Do not apply ice directly to the skin.
- Compression : To prevent additional swelling and blood loss, wear an elastic compression bandage.
- Elevation : To reduce swelling, recline when you rest, and put your leg up higher than your heart.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medicines : Drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen reduce pain and swelling.
Surgical Treatment : If your symptoms persist with nonsurgical treatment, your doctor may suggest arthroscopic surgery.
- Procedure : Knee arthroscopy is one of the most commonlyperformed surgical procedures. In this, a miniature camera is inserted through a small incision. This provides a clear view of the inside of the knee. Your orthopedic surgeon inserts miniature surgical instruments through other small incisions to trim or repair the tear.
- Rehabilitation : After surgery, your doctor may put your knee in a cast or brace to keep it from moving.Once the initial healing is complete, your doctor will prescribe rehabilitation exercises. Regular exercise to restore your knee mobility and strength is necessary. You will start with exercises to improve your range of motion. Strengthening exercises will gradually be added to your rehabilitation plan. For the most part, rehabilitation can be carried out at home, although your doctor mayrecommend physical therapy.
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