Meniscus Tear
Meniscus Tear Overview
The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that stabilizes and cushions the knee. Two tough, rubbery menisci create a cushion between the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (shin bone). Meniscus tears are among the most common knee injuries and a torn meniscus may accompany a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or other knee injury.
A sudden or acute meniscus tear may occur during sports involving direct contact.
Degenerative meniscus tears occur as a person ages and the cartilage weakens and wears thin over time. An awkward twist can be enough to cause a meniscus tear among older people.
Symptoms
- A “popping” sensation.
- Knee pain, especially when rotating the knee.
- Stiffness or swelling.
- Feeling the knee is catching or locking.
- Limits in range of motion.
Risk Factors
If you twist your knee, it may put you at risk of a meniscus tear. The risk factors include:
- Playing high-contact sports, such as football or lacrosse.
- Knee cartilage deteriorates more as you age.
- Tennis or basketball moves, which involve high torque pivoting of the knee.
Meniscus Tear Prevention
Many cases of meniscus tears may not be preventable. When exercising or playing sports, use proper technique to avoid injury whenever possible.
Help Reduce Your Risk
A regular weight-training routine can strengthen the muscles around the knee. Pay attention to proper technique when participating in sports.
Tests and Screenings
Based on a physical exam, your Wellstar physician might order some of these tests:
- X-ray
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
Meniscus Tear Diagnosis
The first step in diagnosing meniscus tear is establishing a medical history.
Your Wellstar physician will check for tenderness along the joint line where the meniscus sits. Your Wellstar physician will also likely do a McMurray test during which your physician will bend your knee, then straighten and rotate it. This movement will cause a clicking sound if you have a meniscal tear.
The physician may order imaging tests such as X-rays or an MRI (magnetic resonance) imaging to confirm the diagnosis. X-rays do not show meniscal tears, but an X-ray may show other causes of knee pain, such as osteoarthritis.
Diagnostic Procedures
- Physical exam
- X-ray
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
Meniscus Tear Treatment
Treatment of a meniscus tear depends on the type of tear you have, its size, and location. A tear to the blood-rich outside one-third of the meniscus may heal on its own.
Conservative treatment may be attempted first depending on your age and the type of tear. Such a course of treatment may include:
- Rest — take a timeout from activities that aggravate knee pain.
- Use an ice pack to reduce pain and swelling.
- Over-the-counter medication for pain relief.
- Physical therapy can help you strengthen and stabilize the muscles around your knee.
Meniscus Tear Surgery
If your knee remains painful, stiff or locked, your Wellstar physician may recommend surgery to repair or trim a torn meniscus.
Knee arthroscopy is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures. A miniature camera is inserted through a small incision and miniature surgical instruments are inserted through other small incisions to trim or repair the tear.
Which Approach is Right for You?
We understand the thought of surgery can be overwhelming. That’s why your Wellstar physician will help you decide the course of treatment that’s right for you. The physician will help you weigh the benefits of each treatment approach. You can feel confident your decision will be based on both your input and the expertise and recommendations of your experienced physician.
Ongoing Care for a Meniscus Tear
The pain and stiffness of surgery to repair a torn meniscus can be eased through exercise and physical therapy. Regular exercise strengthens joint-supporting muscles and improves flexibility. A physical therapist can suggest appropriate exercises to improve range of motion.
Aquatic therapy is an option if you have medication conditions that might limit traditional exercise. Your Wellstar physician may refer you to one of the aquatic therapy programs at the Wellstar Cobb, Wellstar Kennestone or Wellstar Windy Hill facilities.