Mensicus

 

In the knee, there is meniscal cartilage, between the femur and tibia.  Menisci provide cushioning and stability to the knee joint, also protecting surface (articular) cartilage.  A meniscal tear usually happens with the wrong type of motion, such as twisting of the knee.  A meniscal tear is the most common type of cartilage injury.  Damaging the menisci in the knee, affects the function of the knee in whole, mostly causing instability. The menisci have little blood supply and therefore take a while to heal.  Tearing the meniscus in the knee causes inflammation (swelling), making it difficult to move the knee.  With a meniscus tear, you will experience a locking or buckling of the knee with movement.  Usually with meniscus tear, the injured person will seek arthroscopy surgery, but it’s possible to go without and let the injury heal on its own.  The best treatment is to repair the injured structure, and begin to rehabilitate.  The initial recovery time period usually takes about two to three months.  The most important goals throughout the process are to regain full range of motion, strength, coordination, balance etc. 

 

Meniscus Injuries

When damage occurs to one or both of the flat, disk shaped cartilage pieces that rest in the knee joint between the thighbone and the large shinbone.

A individual who experiences pain in the medial side of the knee joint when performing a physical activity, and whose knee occasionally clicks or locks in place momentarily, may have a damaged or torn meniscus.

 

The meniscus most commonly damaged is the inner most side of the knee, the medical meniscus. Injuries to the outer most meniscus also known as the lateral meniscus are five times less likely than those to the medial meniscus.

 

Due to the poor blood supply found in the knee an injured meniscus makes it complicated for a meniscus to be able to heal itself. As a consequence if an individual wants to recover completely he/she needs to undergo surgery.

 

Usually, damage to the meniscus is caused by a single episode of trauma which can be associated with unexpected or sudden movements of the knee. These injuries become aggravated when twisting or turning of the knee happen. It is common that injuries will not be evident until several years later when the meniscus is severely damaged.

 

Meniscus tears are named according to the shape of the tear: “bucket handle,” horizontal,” and parrot beak,” to name three.

 

Symptoms

• The onset of symptoms is gradual.

• Pain is felt on the inner side of the knee joint.

• Pain is felt when pressing on the “joint line” on the inner side of the knee.

• There is clicking or locking of the join

 

When a doctor is trying to make a diagnosis of a meniscus injury they will look for one or more of the signs listed below. If three or more of the signs are present it can be almost certain that the individual suffers from a meniscus tear.

• Point tenderness when pressure is excreted on the joint line on the inner side of the knee.

• Pain on the joint line on the inner side of the knee when the knee is hyperflexed.

• Pain and a clunk sound when the foot and lower leg is turned outward and the knee is simultaneously bent (“McMurray’s test”).

• Weakened or atrophied quadriceps muscle.

 

Note: if the pain and symptoms described above are felt on the outer side of the knee, then there may be a lateral meniscus tear.

 

Causes

Excessive twisting, turning, and compression of the knee joint, possibly preceded by a small tear that worsens over time.

 

Concerns

Left untreated a meniscus may worsen to the point where the meniscus must be completely removed instead of just repaired.

 

Self- Treatment

• Seek medical attention

• If three or more of the symptoms are present individual suffering from injury must begin a strengthening program prior to surgery. Target the quadriceps and hamstrings but be sure not to cause any more damage.