What is a meniscus?
A meniscus is a C-shaped cushion made of fibrocartilage interposed between the thigh bone (femur) and the leg bone (tibia). There are two menisci in each knee – one on the inner side of the knee (medial side) and one on the outer side (lateral side) of the knee.
The function of the menisci is:
It acts as shock observer in the knee joint and also prevents damage to knee cartilage.
How does one get a meniscal tear?
A meniscal tear can occur due to a twisting injury to the knee while playing or bike accident or dancing. These are called traumatic meniscal tears. Meniscal tears may also occur in the absence of an injury in an arthritic knee due to a worn out meniscus. These are called degenerative meniscal tears.
How are meniscal tears diagnosed?
patient with meniscus tear complains of pain, swelling, locking, and instability. The patient also complains of pain in knee bending.
There are certain specific clinical tests like the McMurray’s test and Apley’s grinding test which point towards a meniscal tear.
Are there any tests for diagnosing meniscal tears?
A meniscus tear can be diagnosed on the basis of MRI.
Do meniscal tears heal on their own?
A meniscus tear cannot heal by themselves and needed surgical repair or removal depending on the location of the tear.
Treatment of meniscal tears
1. NON-SURGICAL TREATMENT
Fresh meniscal tears can be treated initially with rest, ice application, compression bandage and elevation (RICE). This is followed by physiotherapy to strengthen the knee.
2. SURGICAL TREATMENT
surgical treatment can be done depending on the type of lesion. There can be two possibilities. If the tear is outer part of the meniscus then repair can be done. If it is inner part of the meniscus then surgical removal will be needed.
What is the post-operative course of arthroscopic meniscal surgery?
The patient can start walking on the same day of surgery. Knee bending is also allowed.
Are there any risks and complications associated with meniscus surgery?
It is a risk-free surgery.
