Several types of knee injuries can affect mobility, including fractures and ligament injuries. Another type of knee injury is a meniscal tear, also known as a meniscus tear.
The Meniscus
The meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage structure between the thighbone and shinbone that stabilizes the knee joint, absorbs shocks, and distributes weight. Main components of the meniscus are the medial meniscus and the lateral meniscus. The medial meniscus is on the inner side, and the lateral meniscus is on the outer side of the knee joint.
Meniscus Health
The meniscus is key to mobility and knee stability. It is also important for the long-term function of the knee joint. A healthy meniscus helps:
- Preserve the knee joint
- Support the movement of the knee
- Reduce the risk of knee injury
- Prevent bone-to-bone contact
There are multiple ways to support meniscus health, including strengthening the quadriceps and hamstrings. Stronger leg muscles provide more knee support. Another way to maintain meniscus health is to maintain a healthy weight, which helps prevent stress on the knee. A third way to support meniscus health is to avoid sudden twists of the knee.
Causes of Meniscus Tears
Degeneration, repetition in motion, and sudden compromising events are each causes of meniscus tears.
Degeneration
A meniscus tear can result from meniscus degeneration that occurs over time with aging. Meniscus degeneration also occurs due to the wearing down of cartilage from osteoarthritis and can lead to a meniscus tear.
Repetition
Repetitive knee movements while walking, running, bending, kneeling, or performing other activities can also lead to meniscus degeneration and a subsequent meniscus tear.
Sudden impacts
A sudden impact to the front or side of the knee from a collision may also lead to a meniscal tear. Another cause is a sudden compromise of the meniscus experienced from a twisting of the knee or from pivoting.
COMMON AMONG ATHLETES: Meniscal tears are common among athletes. Whether from a tackle in football that impacts the knee, an abrupt stop on the basketball court, an injury on the soccer field or ski slope, a compromise to the knee while lifting weights, or in other athletic settings, the meniscus can be affected in many ways that result in a tear.
Meniscal Tear Symptoms
Multiple symptoms can result from a meniscal tear, including:
- Pain at the time of injury, such as when the knee is twisted
- Swelling within hours or days of a knee impact
- Stiffness of the knee joint
- Locking of the knee
- Difficulty in straightening the knee
- Instability of the knee
Meniscal Tear Treatment and Recovery
If there are reasons to believe the meniscus has been torn, contact a healthcare professional for an evaluation. Such an evaluation may include questions for better understanding the background of the condition, examinations to determine knee stability and ability, and imaging tests. Meniscal imaging may be conducted with an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan, x-ray, or arthroscopy.
If a meniscal tear has occurred, an orthopedic professional may present non-surgical or surgical recommendations based on factors such as the severity of the injury.
Non-surgical treatment and recovery
A meniscus tear may not require surgical intervention for treatment. Swelling reduction is an important initial approach. An orthopedic professional may prescribe medications to help control inflammation. Directed treatment may also include physical therapy and/or injections for swelling reduction.
Following an orthopedic professional’s directions may involve a reduction and then reintroduction of certain movements and bracing the knee.
A torn meniscus treated by non-surgical care may take 6-8 weeks to heal.
Surgical treatments
Surgery may be recommended as the most effective treatment. Surgical types include meniscal repair, partial meniscectomy, and meniscus transplant approaches.
In meniscus repair surgery, stitching is applied to the damaged edges of a meniscus. A partial meniscectomy involves the removal of the damaged portion of a meniscus instead of repair. A meniscus transplant may be recommended in cases of a severely damaged meniscus.
Surgical intervention for a torn meniscus typically has a longer recovery time. The first week to two weeks following surgery is a time of limited mobility during which crutches or a knee brace may be recommended. Next is a 3-6 week time period for healing and physical therapy, followed by another set of weeks for improved mobility and increased strength. Participation in regular activities may be possible three to six months following surgery.
Meniscal Tear Treatment in Idaho Falls
Treatment for meniscal tears is available from Orthopedic Specialists of Idaho, located in Idaho Falls. The team includes three orthopedic surgeons—Dr. Casey Huntsman, Dr. Jason Dalling, and Dr. Brandon Mennear—each of whom grew up in Eastern Idaho.
Contact Orthopedic Specialists of Idaho for more information on meniscal tears or to schedule an appointment.