MENISCUS TEARS

Your meniscus is a tough, rubbery disc structure in your knee joint. In each of your knees, there are two C-shaped menisci: the lateral meniscus (outside area of the joint), and the medial meniscus (inside area of the joint. These provide the structural integrity to your knee joint and have the important function of acting as your knee ‘shock absorbers’, keeping the knee stable while protecting the ligaments against force. Your lateral meniscus bears up to 80% of the load applied to the outside knee compartment, while your medial bears 50% of the load applied to the inside compartment. 

Meniscus tears of the knee are among some of the most common knee injuries amongst athletes however, athletes are not the only individuals who can experience a meniscus tear. In fact, any activity that causes a forceful twist, or a strong rotation to the knee, can lead to the meniscus tearing. 

Causes of a meniscus tear

Meniscal tears often occur when playing sport. The tear is usually caused by a twisting motion or over flexing the knee joint. Athletes who play sports such as football, tennis and basketball are at a higher risk of developing meniscal tears and they often occur along with injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament, the ligament that crosses from the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone).

Symptoms of a meniscus tear

Meniscus tears of the knee vary in their severity, tear size and location. Patients with only a small tear can often walk, stand, sit, and sleep without pain. Untreated meniscus tears however can increase in size and lead to complications. Meniscus tear symptoms can include:

• A popping sensation or sound at the time of injury
• Sudden and severe pain (if the tear occurs during trauma)
• Gradual and constant pain (if the tear occurs over time)
• Swelling, stiffness or a locking sensation in the knee
• A feeling the knee joint is “giving way”
• An Inability to completely straighten or bend your knee.

Diagnosing a meniscus tear

An MRI scan is often the best diagnostic test for a meniscus tear of the knee. Some meniscal tears however are more difficult to diagnose, especially if they are located at the edge of the meniscal tissue so a correct diagnosis in consultation with Dr Singh is critical in determining the correct diagnosis and best treatment option for you.

Treating meniscus tears 

Dr Singh will consider the size, location, and type of tear in the meniscus when determining the best treatment option for your meniscus tear. Your activity level, age and medical history will also be examined.

Non-Surgical Treatment:

The outer part of the meniscus, known as the “red zone” has a rich blood supply and may heal on its own if the tear is small. The inner two-thirds of the meniscus, known as the “white zone” however does not have a blood supply and it cannot heal on its own. If the meniscus tear is small, within the red zone and the knee is stable, Dr Singh may recommend a combination of rest, ant-inflammatory drugs, and physiotherapy. 

Surgical Treatment:

If non-surgical treatments do not alleviate pain or if the cartilage is torn in the area that will not heal on its own, Dr Singh may recommend a minimally invasive surgical technique called arthroscopic repair. Arthroscopic meniscus repair uses a small camera and small surgical instrument inserted into the knee to perform the repair. Dr Singh may perform one or more of the following arthroscopic procedures:

These treatment options can all be discussed in your consultation with Dr Singh.

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