Meniscal Tears
Meniscal Tears: Cartilage Injuries That May Affect Knee Stability and Function
Meniscal tears are a common knee injury that can cause pain, swelling, and reduced mobility. The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage located between the thighbone (femur) and the shinbone (tibia) in each knee, serving as a cushion and stabiliser for the joint. Meniscal tears can occur due to trauma, overuse, or degenerative changes associated with ageing. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for meniscal tears may help individuals manage the condition and maintain knee health.
What Are Meniscal Tears?
A meniscal tear occurs when the cartilage is damaged due to excessive force or wear and tear. These tears can vary in severity and location within the meniscus and are often classified as:
- Traumatic Tears: Caused by sudden twisting or pivoting motions, often seen in sports injuries.
- Degenerative Tears: Gradual wear and thinning of the meniscus over time, commonly seen in older adults.
Meniscal tears can affect the inner (medial) or outer (lateral) meniscus, with symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to significant pain and joint dysfunction.
Causes Of Meniscal Tears
Meniscal tears can occur due to:
- Trauma: Sudden twisting or pivoting of the knee during activities like running, jumping, or squatting.
- Overuse: Repetitive stress from activities that place strain on the knee joint.
- Degenerative Changes: Age-related wear and tear that weakens the cartilage.
- Associated Injuries: Meniscal tears often occur alongside ligament injuries, such as an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear.
Symptoms Of Meniscal Tears
Symptoms of a meniscal tear can vary depending on the size, location, and severity of the injury. Common symptoms include:
- Pain in the knee, often on the inner or outer side.
- Swelling and stiffness in the joint.
- A locking or catching sensation during knee movement.
- Difficulty fully bending or straightening the knee.
- A feeling of instability or the knee “giving way.”
If symptoms persist or worsen, seeking medical advice is recommended to confirm the diagnosis and explore treatment options.
Risk Factors For Meniscal Tears
Certain factors may increase the likelihood of developing a meniscal tear, including:
- Sports Participation: High-impact sports like football, basketball, or skiing involve movements that can stress the meniscus.
- Age: Older adults are more prone to degenerative meniscal tears due to cartilage thinning.
- Previous Knee Injuries: A history of knee injuries or surgeries may increase susceptibility.
- Occupational Strain: Jobs or activities that involve repetitive kneeling or squatting.
- Obesity: Excess weight places additional stress on the knee joint, increasing the risk of tears.
Treatment Options For Meniscal Tears
Treatment for meniscal tears depends on the severity of the injury, the patient’s age, activity level, and overall knee health. Options include:
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Rest and Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms to allow healing.
- Physiotherapy: Exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve joint stability.
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications may help manage symptoms.
- Injections: Corticosteroid injections may provide temporary relief from pain and swelling in some cases.
Surgical Treatments
Surgery may be recommended for large or complex tears that do not respond to non-surgical treatments:
- Arthroscopic Meniscal Repair: Suturing the torn edges to promote healing while preserving the meniscus.
- Arthroscopic Meniscectomy: Removing the damaged portion of the meniscus if repair is not feasible.
- Meniscal Transplant: In select cases, a meniscal transplant may be considered for individuals with severe cartilage loss.
Dr. Scott Tulloch will assess your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your individual needs.
When Should You Seek Help For Meniscal Tears?
You should consider seeking medical advice if:
- You experience persistent knee pain or swelling that limits your activities.
- Your knee locks, clicks, or feels unstable during movement.
- Symptoms persist despite rest, physiotherapy, or other non-surgical treatments.
If you would like to learn more about meniscal tears or discuss your treatment options, book an appointment with Dr. Scott Tulloch at the Victorian Orthopaedic Group.
