Meniscal Injuries

Meniscal tears are classified based on their shape & location.

• Horizontal : These are parallel to the flat top of the shinbone. These are often seen in people with degenerated knee joint.
• Longitudinal or vertical : These tears are parallel to the long axis of the meniscus & perpendicular to the top of shinbone
• Radial: Radial tears are perpendicular to top of the shinbone & also the long axis of the meniscus.
• Complex : This is a combination of horizontal & longitudinal tears.
• Displaced : Displaced tears involve complete detachment of a piece of meniscus.
• Flap: These are horizontal tears with partially detached fragments.

It may take a day or a little more for symptoms like pain & inflammation to show up when a person has torn his or her meniscus. Other common symptoms include:

• A popping sensation
• Swelling or stiffness
• Pain while twisting or rotating your knee
• Feeling of the knee being locked in place
• Difficulty straightening the knee

Factors that may increase one’s risk of meniscal injury are:

• Gender : It is more common in men as compared to women
• Age : Older than 40 years
• Playing contact sports like football
• Being in a job that requires squatting or bending

To diagnose a meniscal tear, the doctor will first understand the patient’s medical history & perform a thorough examination of the joint.

During the physical exam, the orthopaedic surgeon will check for tenderness, range of motion & strength.

Apart from this, the doctor may also recommend an X Ray & an MRI to confirm a diagnosis.

Treatment of meniscal tear depends on the location of the injury, along with the patient’s age, general activity level & his or her symptoms.

• Non Invasive Treatments:
  • RICE
  • Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs
  • Steroid Injections
  • Biologic injections
  • Physiotherapy
• Surgical Treatments:
  • If non surgical treatments fail to provide relief to the patient, the doctor may recommend a minimally invasive surgery. This procedure known as arthroscopic surgery involves making 2-3 tiny incisions & inserting a camera & surgical instruments to repair or trim a meniscal tear.
  • At Elite Orthopaedics, we offer the best treatment for meniscal tears. Our doctors are experienced & skilled in providing best treatments for knee injuries.