Torn Meniscus

Understanding Torn Mensiscus

Meniscus tears are being seen with increased frequency in young children and adolescents.  Injury to the meniscus often happens during sporting activities, when a sudden twisting of the knee, pivoting, or deceleration causes a tear in the cartilage. A meniscal tear can also occur simultaneously with injury to other ligaments of the knee (in particular, the anterior cruciate lig-ament which helps to connect the upper and lower leg bones). 

What is the meniscus? 

• The meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage in the knee joint (see picture to right).
• This cartilage serves a vital role in the protection and maintenance of the bearing surface of the knee. It functions to share load, absorb shock, reduce contact forces and provide stability to the knee joint.

Your doctor diagnoses a torn meniscus based on your symptoms, clinical examination, MRI, and Xrays

Symptoms

• Young athletes with acute injuries will most often describe a twisting type of mechanism or a direct blow to the knee.
• Patients often complain of pain, swelling, stiff-ness, clicking, and popping of the knee joint.

Treatment Options 

Most meniscal tears in the pediatric population are amendable to arthroscopic repair  techniques. Repairing the meniscus can help preserve the shock-absorbing function of the meniscus that is important for the longevity of the knee joint.  

Medication  

Taking anti-inflammatory medicine or NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as Motrin, Advil, Naproxen or Aleve as directed by your doctor may be helpful. This medication should be taken for 10 to 14 days to allow the medicine to build to therapeutic levels in the body. Taking the medication infrequently allows the medicine levels to drop, which decreases its effectiveness. 

Surgery 

Symptomatic meniscus tears that don’t heal on their own can cause continued pain, locking, or instability of the knee and may need surgery.  Surgery involves inserting a small, pen-sized camera (called an arthroscope) to repair or trim torn flaps in the meniscus.  

A brace is often needed for a short time after surgery.  

Physical therapy is an important part of  recovery to regain range of motion and strength of the knee after surgery.  

Do You have a Torn Meniscus?

Immediately After The Injury Follow the RICE protocol: 

Rest: Stay off your knee as much as possible. Crutches may be used.  

Ice: Ice the knee for 15 minutes at a time. Rest and remove the icepack for 30-45 minutes; then repeat. Continue icing for 3 days. The ice will help reduce swelling.  

Compression: Another way to reduce the swelling and prevent further injuries is to keep the joint stable by wrapping it with an elastic ace bandage or having it splinted. This can be    performed by a physician, Emergency Room, or Walk-in Clinic.  

Elevation: Keep your knee raised above your heart when you sit or lie down.