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Meniscus Tear

The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of tough cartilage located in the knee, that acts as a shock absorber between the shinbone and the thighbone. There are two menisci within each knee. The meniscus on the inside part of the knee is known as the medial meniscus and the meniscus located on the outside of the knee is referred to as the lateral meniscus. A meniscus tear may be the result of an acute injury to the knee, or degeneration as a result of many years of wear and tear. The tear most frequently occurs when the knee is bent and then twisted. Menisci have very poor ability to heal due to their limited blood supply.

Symptoms of a Meniscus Tear

Meniscus tears are usually defined by a distinctive popping or clicking sensation when the injury occurs. Most people will still be able to walk or play a sport using their injured knee, but the knee typically becomes swollen and stiff within a few days. The most common symptoms of meniscus tears include:

  • Persistent pain whenever the knee is moved or twisted
  • Stiffness
  • Swelling
  • Inability to fully straighten the knee

A torn meniscus may also be accompanied by joint that frequently locks in place and the inability to completely straighten the knee.

Diagnosis of a Meniscus Tear

A meniscus tear is typically diagnosed after a complete evaluation of the patient’s symptoms is conducted and a medical history obtained. The knee will be examined for tenderness along the joint line, which usually signifies the presence of a meniscus tear.

Several diagnostic tests will generally follow to confirm the tear. One commonly used evaluation tool is the McMurray test, in which the knee is bent, straightened and moved around in a circular fashion by the doctor. The circular motion places added tension on the meniscus and causes an audible clicking sound, enabling the doctor to diagnose the tear. Imaging tests, such as X-rays or an MRI or CT scan, may also be needed to obtain a view of the torn meniscus.

Treatment for a Meniscus Tear

If left untreated, a meniscus tear may result in a portion of the cartilage becoming loose and moving into the joint, causing the knee to slip out of place. Treatment usually depends on the severity of the tear and its exact location. Initial treatment methods for meniscus tears are generally conservative, such as placing ice on the knee, taking anti-inflammatory medications and elevating the knee to reduce swelling. Physical therapy is frequently utilized to help reduce swelling and pain, and improve strength, flexibility, and function.

If symptoms continue despite these conservative measures, surgery may be necessary. Minimally invasive knee arthroscopy is one of the most commonly performed procedures to treat the condition. During this procedure a camera known as an arthroscope is inserted into the knee through a small incision. Small surgical instruments will be used to perform either a meniscus repair, which focuses on suturing the torn edges of the meniscus together to promote healing, or a meniscectomy, during which damaged meniscal tissue is trimmed away. Very few meniscus tears are amenable to meniscal repair.

Physical therapy may also be effective at strengthening the muscles that support the knee joint. If these treatments are not effective and symptoms continue, meniscus surgery may be recommended. Meniscectomy is an arthroscopic surgery performed by orthopedic surgeons to remove the torn segment of the meniscus. A physical therapy program is also effective after surgery to strengthen muscles and help the patient regain full mobility.

If the meniscus is sutured back together, crutches will be utilized for a much longer period of time to protect the repaired meniscus. More extensive physical therapy will be utilized as well.

Meniscus Tear FAQs

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My Shoulders Are Letting Me Down

We rely on our shoulders for countless tasks. It can be problematic when they don’t function at our best and can make ordinary tasks a challenge. Finding a cause behind unstable shoulders can help bring pain relief and peace of mind. Here are some reasons behind your shoulder pain and what you can do to treat it.

What Causes Shoulder Instability?

Your shoulders play a pivotal role in how you go about your daily life. Unstable shoulders can frequently come out of place, making everyday activities difficult. 

One cause of shoulder instability is severe trauma to the shoulder. An injury such as a dislocation causes the head of your shoulder to dislocate from the socket. The initial shoulder dislocation can result in repeated dislocations and further instability.

Genetics may be another cause of shoulder instability. Some people are born with naturally loose shoulder ligaments. Excessively loose shoulder ligaments called Hyperlaxity can cause shoulder instability. This can occur without prior dislocations or a history of strains. Hyperlaxity can increase the chances of dislocating your shoulder or weakening the joint.

Symptoms of Shoulder Instability

Several symptoms characterize shoulder instability. Shoulder instability symptoms include

  • A loose feeling in the shoulder
  • The shoulder giving out
  • Repeated shoulder dislocations
  • Pain

How is Shoulder Instability Diagnosed?

Professional examination is how shoulder instability is diagnosed. 

If you’re having shoulder trouble, your doctor can order imaging tests to find the cause. One tool to find the cause of your shoulder pain is an x-ray. The x-ray helps doctors to take a thorough look at the bones around your shoulder joint and examine them for signs of injury. Your doctor may also order an MRI for further examination. An MRI provides a detailed image of the tissues around your shoulder and helps find damage to the ligaments and tendons in the joint.

How Are Unstable Shoulders Treated?

Your treatment plan depends on the nature and severity of your symptoms. First, you may need to avoid activities that worsen your symptoms. If you can’t stay away from pain-inducing activities, modifying your movements may help give you some relief. Also, anti-inflammatory pain medications and physical therapy can help.

If your shoulder problems need more aggressive treatment, our office can help. Schedule a consultation by calling (508) 363-6363.