MENISCUS TEAR
What is a meniscus tear?
The meniscus serves as a shock absorber between your thigh bone and shin bone in your knee. This tissue is tough and rubbery to absorb impact and promote stability.
Your meniscus may be torn during contact, twisting, or squatting in a sport, or it may occur with degeneration as the cartilage weakens and wears over time. Older people are subject to degenerative meniscus tears.
What are the symptoms of a ruptured meniscus?
You may hear or feel a pop in your knee when your meniscus tears.
Additional symptoms may include:
- Pain
- Locking of the knee joint
- Sensations of the knee collapsing or giving way
- Failure to move the knee through a full range of motion
How is a meniscus tear diagnosed?
Doctor performs a thorough physical examination of your knee and evaluates your symptoms and medical history. If he determines you have a small tear, you may be able to find relief with at-home, nonsurgical treatment, such as rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Larger tears with persistent symptoms, however, may require surgical intervention.
What surgical procedures are used to treat a meniscus tear?
The most common surgical procedure doctor uses for a meniscus tear is knee arthroscopy. During this surgery, he inserts a tiny camera into a small incision to view the inside of your knee joint on a large screen. He makes other small incisions through which he inserts small instruments that are used to repair the damaged cartilage.
Can I recover completely after a meniscus tear?
Meniscus tears are common and effectively treated with surgical repair. Most people find that if they follow the rehabilitation protocol, perform physical therapy and strengthening exercises, and are patient with returning to normal movement, they experience a full recovery. You will be able to participate in all your regular activities, including sports, following meniscus surgery.
If you have experienced trauma or knee pain that suggests damage to your meniscus, contact Dr. Harsha C M or book an appointment online. He can devise an effective treatment plan to heal the meniscal tear and get you back to normal function as soon as possible.