Meniscus
A meniscus injury is a tear in one of the menisci within the knee. The menisci serve a number of important functions, such as trusted Sources:
- shock absorption
- weight transmission during walking
- stability by preventing the knee from bending and straightening at extreme angles
Types of meniscus tear
Doctors classify meniscus tears according to their shape and location. The different types of meniscus tears include trusted Sources:
- Horizontal, or cleavage: These tears run parallel to the flat top of the shinbone and are more likely to occur in people over the age of 40 years who have degeneration of the knee joint.
- Longitudinal, or vertical: These tears run perpendicular to the flat top of the shinbone and parallel to the long axis of the meniscus.
- Radial: These run perpendicular to both the top of the shinbone and the long axis of the meniscus.
- Complex: This is a combination of horizontal and longitudinal tears.
- Displaced: These tears involve total detachment of a piece of meniscus or flipping of a part of the meniscus that remains attached.
- Bucket-handle: These are fragments of complete longitudinal tears that move centrally over the rest of the meniscus.
- Flap: These are partially detached fragments of horizontal tears.
- Parrot-beak: These are radial tears that have partially detached fragments.
Symptoms of a meniscus injury
A person may feel a pop when they tear the meniscus.
Common symptoms include:
- pain
- swelling and stiffness of the knee joint
- locking or catching of the knee
- inability to fully bend and straighten the knee
- a sensation of the knee giving way
Treatment
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, treatment of a meniscus tear depends on the location of the injury, alongside other factors, including a person’s:
- age
- activity levels
- symptoms
Nonsurgical treatment
A doctor may recommend one of the following nonsurgical treatment options for people who do not experience persistent symptoms or symptoms of knee locking or swelling:
- RICE: This acronym stands for the following:
- Rest: This involves taking a break from activities that cause or exacerbate symptoms.
- Ice: This involves applying cold packs to the knee for 20 minutes several times per day.
- Compression: A person should use an elastic compression bandage, which may prevent additional swelling.
- Elevation: This involves elevating the legs higher than the heart during rest, to alleviate swelling and pain.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Surgical treatment
If nonsurgical methods do not alleviate a person’s symptoms, a doctor may suggest arthroscopic surgery. This procedure involves inserting a miniature camera and tiny surgical instruments through two or three small incisions in the knee to repair or trim a meniscus tear.
There are two main types of arthroscopic surgery for a meniscus tear: partial meniscectomy and meniscus repair.
Partial meniscectomy involves trimming away the damaged meniscus. It permits immediate weight-bearing following surgery and provides a full range of motion soon afterward.
Meniscus repair involves stitching torn pieces of a meniscus back together. After healing occurs, a doctor will recommend a rehabilitation program of exercises to improve range of motion and strength. The recovery time is longer than in the case of a meniscectomy.
