MENISCAL TEAR REPAIR
A meniscal tear is the most widespread form of knee injury globally. Your meniscus is a type of cartilage that prevents uncomfortable friction between the thighbone and shinbone, cushioning this area to deliver swift and fluid motion. A tear in the menisci may cause swelling of the knee, popping/clicking, pain and knee stiffness. In addition, you may experience a blocked sensation in the knee or have trouble stretching your knee, this is called a locked knee.
Initial conservative remedies include applying ice from time to time, getting enough rest and taking medication that may provide relief. However, a torn meniscus requires surgery and will not heal without intervention from an orthopaedic surgeon.
Signs of a torn meniscus include:
- Popping of the knee
- Stiff/Locked knee
- Knee pain, especially when twisting the joint
- Trouble extending the knee
- Difficulty in making the knee straight
- Feeling of the knee giving away
Meniscal tears occur due to sports that encourage rotation and twisting of the knee joint such as pivoting or making sudden turns. In addition, related gym exercises such as squatting, kneeling and lifting weights can also contribute to meniscal tears. High performing athletes that engage in aggressive sports that involve plenty of knee action, such as soccer, tennis, rugby and basketball, are at a greater risk of developing a torn meniscus. Also, there is a high risk of developing osteoarthritis in the affected knee.
Dr Gupta surgically repairs meniscal tears through arthroscopic surgery. After examination at consultation you may require X-rays & or an MRI scan. Suitability for repair of a meniscus depends on patient factors; type, complexity and location of the tear within a meniscus. Surgery begins by inserting an instrument, known as an arthroscope, through a tiny (keyhole) incision in the skin, which he guides to the cartilage and passes miniature equipment via the scope to repair or snip away at the tear. A torn meniscus due to arthritis may require a different approach to address the condition.
FAQ
If the tear is minor, only affecting one-third of the outer portion of the meniscus, the tear can heal on its own. However, in most cases, these types of tears need to be repaired surgically.
An x-ray is not made to check for a meniscal tear. However, the imaging study (X-ray) can diagnose the cause of knee pain, the primary cause linked to osteoarthritis. Usually, an MRI is done to visualise the soft tissues of the knee, such as the menisci.
Your doctor will recommend that you avoid twisting the knee and engaging in sports that require repetitive knee use.