Top Causes and Treatments for Torn Meniscus

The knee is one of the most important and functional parts of the body. It flexes and extends to allow us to carry out activities like running, squatting and climbing. There are a couple of structures within and around the knee which facilitate movement and protect the knee joints.

The hamstring and quadriceps muscles, for example, help move the joint. They also help with the stabilisation of the knee. Four ligaments help stabilize the knee as we walk and run. They are the medial and lateral collateral ligaments and the posterior and anterior cruciate ligaments. Without these ligaments, the knee will not be unstable and normal function will be affected.

There are 2 menisci in a knee. The medial and lateral meniscus are found in the inside and outside compartments of the knee. They help to support, stabilise and cushion the cartilage of the knee.

What Causes a Meniscus to Tear?

Injury to the meniscus often occurs after a sudden stop or a forceful twist. When this happens, the femur grinds into the tibia and tears the meniscus which lies between them. People who participate in strenuous physical activities like weight lifting are prone to this injury. Also, certain sports like golf, tennis, and basketball that requires pivoting can result in this.

As we age, the meniscus slowly weakens and this can increase the risk of developing a torn meniscus. People above 50 are prone to this injury. Simple daily activities like climbing stairs or walking can put stress on the meniscus and may result in a degenerative tear.

Symptoms of a Torn Meniscus

For some patients, a meniscal tear doesn’t cause them much pain. For others, they experience excruciating pain in their knee which may be swollen. Excessive swelling may result in stiffness of the knee.

Note that the swelling may not be obvious or visible. At times, a person with this injury may not be aware of it especially with minor tears.

Below are some symptoms you may experience when you have the injury:

• You hear a popping sound when climbing up or down the stairs
• You experience pain after walking or running for a long distance
• Swollen knee joint
• The knee gives way and makes you fall or make you feel unstable
• When you can’t fully extend or flex your knee

Where Can You Go to Treat Your Torn Meniscus?

Diagnosis and treatment of a torn meniscus is usually done by an orthopaedic surgeon. Of course, other caregivers and health professionals can diagnose the injury if they have been trained and are working in a professional medical facility, clinic or hospital.

However, when it comes to performing arthroscopic surgery, only a trained orthopaedic surgeon is able to do so. Surgery is required when the tear is significant or when the symptoms are impeding daily activities.

What Treatment Options are Available to Treat a Torn Meniscus?

While there are a few ways to treat a torn meniscus, the one that will eventually be advised by your doctor will be determined by the following factors:

• The severity of your injury
• Pre-existing diseases within the knee area

Most of the time, a meniscus tear is treated with arthroscopic surgical repair or a partial meniscectomy.  A surgical procedure is usually the best treatment option for active patients.

Below are some approaches your doctor might take during the surgery:

Arthroscopic Repair

During the surgical procedure, your doctor will make a few incisions in your knee and insert an arthroscope to get a clear picture of the extent of the tear. Next, he will use arthroscopic stitches and fixation devices to stitch the torn area.  Activity can be resumed in 4 – 6 weeks with the knee able to bear weight a week after surgery. Physical therapy is useful to regain full function of the knee which will be on average 4 months after surgery.

Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy

Your doctor will carefully remove only the damaged fragments of meniscus that interferes with joint movement and flexibility so that your knee can function properly.

Arthroscopic Total Meniscectomy

This procedure is rarely performed as meniscus tears can be usually treated with one of the 2 methods above. In this case, your doctor will remove the entire torn meniscus. This occurs in the unusual circumstance whereby the whole meniscus is torn and irreparable.

Recovery

After the surgery, you will have to wear a brace for 3 weeks to help keep your knee stable. You will also have to use crutches. On the average, it will take about 4 months for your injury to heal completely.