Meniscus Tear

It is one of most common ligament injury. Is usually develops when ankle gets twisted.

Ligaments are soft tissue structures which connect bones together and stabilize the joint. Sprain occurs when ligaments are forced beyond their normal range.

Causes

A meniscus tear can result from any activity that causes you to forcefully twist or rotate your knee, such as sudden stops and turns while playing. Even kneeling, deep squatting or lifting something heavy can sometimes lead to a torn meniscus.

In older adults, degenerative meniscal tear can develop with little or no trauma.

Symptoms

Pain – pain in knee joint
Difficulty in straightening of knee
Difficulty in getting up
Swelling
Popping sensation
Feeling of instability i.e. knee giving way

Diagnosis

Meniscal tear can be suspected by clinical examination by various examination tests and manoeuvre. Diagnosis can be confirmed by evaluation

MRI – it is helpful in diagnosing meniscal tear also in planning further treatment
X ray – It’s a basic investigation. Meniscus is not seen in x ray but other bony injury can be seen.
Diagnostic arthroscopy – after the easy availability of MRI, role of diagnostic arthroscopy has decreased over years.

Treatment

Rest – avoid activities that aggravate pain

Ice – reduces swelling and pain

Medication – Takes care of pain

Physical therapy – strengthening of muscles help in reducing symptoms

Arthroscopy – helps in treating meniscal tear. Whether meniscectomy (removal of torn piece) or repair depends on type of tear, age.