Meniscus tear

Generally

Meniscus tear is a common sports injury, which thanks to the progress of medical technology is now treated arthroscopically, not through a total or partial removal but by suturing and saving the meniscus – where possible – protecting patients from future complications such as osteoarthritis.

What is the meniscus?

The menisci could be likened to suspensions, as they absorb the vibrations applied to the knee joint. In addition, they act as joint stabilizers by distributing body loads evenly and smoothly over the entire surface of the knee.

In each knee, there is an inner and an outer meniscus, which are crescent-shaped and quite elastic.

When is a meniscus tear caused?

Meniscus tear can occur in young people due to injury, but also in older patients due to degeneration and loss of elasticity.

Traumatic meniscus tear in young people is also very common and occurs when the foot “sticks” to the ground and the body twists, usually during a sports activity.

Symptoms

How do I know if I have a meniscus tear?

Patients with meniscus tear usually complain about pain when walking, especially when changing direction, pain after deep sitting, and swelling of the knee due to the presence of fluid in the joint.

In some cases, the knee may be locked and the joint cannot be bent or stretched, which requires immediate treatment.

Diagnosis

How is a meniscus tear diagnosed?

In addition to clinical history taking and examination, an imaging test, especially an MRI scan, is required to detect a meniscus tear.

Treatment

How is meniscus tear treated?

Traumatic meniscus tears are treated arthroscopically. Knee arthroscopy is performed through only two skin incisions of about one centimeter each in length.

How is arthroscopy performed?

The surgeon places a special camera (the arthroscope) in the first hole, with which he can “see” what is happening inside the joint, while in the second hole he places special microscopic tools that help him repair the rupture.

The purpose of the arthroscopy is to remove only the damaged part of the meniscus and to smoothen the rest of the surface that remains stable in the knee joint.

How can the meniscus be saved?

There are cases of patients, mainly young people, with recent ruptures located in the periphery of the meniscus (in the area where due to increased vascularity and perfusion the meniscus can heal) in which the organ can be saved. Then, it is recommended to suture and save the meniscus with the same arthroscopic method.

This is because the presence and function of the menisci is very important for the knee, as they delay the onset of arthritis, and even partial arthroscopic removal of the meniscus (meniscectomy) can have degenerative effects over time.