ABOUT THE DISEASE

Meniscus is the cartilage responsible for acting like a shock absorber in the knee along with supplying nutrients to the knee joint cartilage. It is a C-shaped cartilage structure, located in the knee joint between the thigh bone (femur) and the shinbone (tibia). Two menisci are located in each knee joint: the inner and outer meniscus. A meniscal tear is a tear in any of these cartilages. Inner meniscus tears are more common than outer meniscus tears.

CAUSES

A meniscal tear is caused by sudden twisting or other movements that may occur from sports or related injuries. These types of injuries are more common for people over 30. Since, as people age, the meniscus begins to harden and become more vulnerable to injury. They can also be caused due to a degenerative condition such as osteoarthritis, rather than a specific injury.

SYMPTOMS

• • A "pop" felt at the time of injury.
• • Pain in the knee, especially with standing, walking or squatting with the affected leg.
• • Swelling in the knee joint, usually starting 1 to 2 days after injury.
• • Frequent locking or catching of the knee joint, causing inability to straighten the knee completely.
• • Giving way or buckling of the knee.

DIAGNOSIS

- Physical examination comprising of the "Mc Murray`s test
- Knee x-ray
- Knee MRI

TREATMENT METHODS

Initial treatment involves the use of ice and medicine, to reduce pain and inflammation at the time of the injury.

Using crutches while walking, helps to reduce the load on the affected knee.

In severe cases Arthroscopic surgery (Meniscectomy) is often advised, where the torn piece of the meniscus is removed, and if possible the joint cartilage is repaired.

You may also like to learn about:

ACL injury
PCL injury
Rheumatoid arthritis
Knee pain
Synovitis
Osteoarthritis