Meniscal tears are commonly caused by either traumatic injury, which is usually seen in athletes, or degenerative processes, which results brittle cartilage experienced by older patients. The most common mechanism of a traumatic meniscal tear occurs when the knee joint is bent and the knee is then twisted.
Symptoms of a meniscal tear
Individuals who suffer from a meniscus tear usually experience pain and swelling as their primary symptoms. Joint locking is also common, which involves the inability to completely straighten the joint.
The most common symptoms of a meniscal tear include:
- Knee pain
- Swelling of the knee
- Tenderness when pressing on the meniscus
- Popping or clicking within the knee
- Limited motion of the knee joint
Diagnosis of a meniscal tear
Patient who suffer from knee pain will be evaluated for a possible meniscal tear. Specific tests can be performed to detect such an injury. An x-ray can be used to determine if there is evidence of degenerative or arthritic changes to the knee joint. The MRI is useful at visualizing the meniscus. However, discovering a torn meniscus on MRI does not mean a specific treatment is needed.
Treatment of a meniscus tear
Treatment of meniscal tears depends on several factors, as not all meniscal tears require surgery. When a non-surgical option for treating a meniscal tear is inadequate, a surgical treatment is required where meniscal repair and transplantation may be necessary.
Your doctor can evaluate the extent of a meniscal tear injury and provide options for treatment. Your Asheboro orthopedic surgeons at Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine can determine the most appropriate meniscal tear treatment and help you through a speedy recovery.
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