Meniscus Repair
The knee is made up of the femur (thigh bone), the tibia (shin bone), and patella (kneecap). The meniscus, the soft cartilage between the femur and tibia, serves as a cushion and helps absorb shock during motion.
Causes
A torn meniscus can result from any activity that causes you to forcefully twist or rotate your knee, such as aggressive pivoting or sudden stops and turns. Even kneeling, deep squatting or lifting something heavy can sometimes lead to a torn meniscus.
In older adults, degenerative changes of the knee can contribute to a torn meniscus with little or no trauma.
Symptoms
If you’ve torn your meniscus, you might have the following signs and symptoms in your knee:
- A popping sensation.
- Swelling or stiffness.
- Pain, especially when twisting or rotating your knee.
- Difficulty straightening your knee fully.
- Feeling as though your knee is locked in place when you try to move it.
- Feeling of your knee giving way.
Diagnosis
Physical examination followed by MRI will give proper idea about grade of meniscus tear.
Treament
Non-operative may include rest and medications followed by physiotherapy.
Operative is done arthroscopically where meniscectomy or meniscus repair according to the grade and pattern of meniscus injury is performed.