|KNEE||SHOULDER||FOOT and ANKLE||BACK and NECK||ELBOW and WRIST||HIP and PELVIS||COMPLETE INDEX|
|Definition||A Meniscus Tear is a injury to the cartilage inside the knee. This cartilage normally acts as a shock absorbing
cushion between the thigh bone (femur) and the shin bone (tibia).
Model and X-ray of a Normal Knee
Model and Arthroscopic Pictures of a Normal and a Torn Meniscus
|Details||Mensicus tears are very common. These cartilage injuries can occur during almost any sport. They are also often associated with ligament injuries such as a medial collateral ligament sprain or an anterior cruciate ligament tear.|
|Causes||Meniscus tears result from a sudden traumatic injury such as a twisting action of the knee. Tears may also occur without significant trauma. In these cases a meniscus tear may be due to repeated small injuries to the cartilage or degeneration of the tissue in older patients.|
|Diagnosis||Meniscus tears are typically associated with pain along the inner side or outer side of the knee. Mild to
moderate swelling will accompany the pain. Clicking, catching or locking of the knee may also be present. The history
and physical exam are usually enough to make a diagnosis. X-rays are taken to rule out fractures and an MRI scan
may be used to confirm the tear.
MRI of Normal and Torn Mensicus
Nonoperative: Many meniscus tears will respond to rest, anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy. The therapy follows a three phase treatment protocol:
Operative: If the non-operative treatment is not sucessful, arthroscopic (minimally invasive) surgery may be needed to remove or repair the torn cartilage.
Maintain strong and flexible muscles around the knee.