Did I Tear A Meniscus?
- Posted on: Jul 15 2018
Torn Menisci are common sports injuries that can slow you down and cause issues with movement of the knee later on down the road. If you’ve been playing contact sports and recently heard a “pop” in your knee, you may have torn a Meniscus.
What is a Meniscus?
The menisci are two C-shaped pieces of cartilage that act as shock absorbers for your knees. They sit in between your femur and your tibia, where they support and protect the knee from impact damage.
How does a tear happen?
Meniscus tears can happen suddenly while you’re playing sports that require a lot of running, quick turns, and fast starts. If you’re twisting the knee a lot, or playing a game with direct contact, that can cause a meniscus tear, too. Cartilage weakens over time, and aging tissue is more prone to tearing. Sometimes, the meniscus can degenerate over time, and the meniscus can tear from less intense movements in older people.
What is treatment like?
Sometimes, if a Meniscus tear isn’t too severe, you can let it heal on its own. You will need to rest, apply ice, and may need pain killers while it heals. Wearing a knee brace and going to physical therapy can also help you recover. If your injury is severe, you may be recommended to get surgery.
What’s surgery like?
There are a few options when it comes to Meniscus repair surgery:
- Arthroscopic repair. Small cuts are made in the knee, then an arthroscope is inserted so she can see the tear better. The torn edges of the Meniscus are then stitched back together.
- Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. A piece of the Meniscus is removed so the knee can heal and function as normal again.
- Arthroscopic total meniscectomy. The entire Meniscus is removed during this procedure.
If you think you’ve torn a Meniscus, then you may want to come in to ensure it isn’t serious and doesn’t require surgery. We can help advise you on the best course of action to help you get back on your feet again. Call us today at (508) 363-6363 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Desio.
Posted in: Meniscus Tear