Overview: A torn meniscus is one of the commonest knee injuries. Meniscus tear usually takes place when you suddenly twist or rotate the knee while foot is planted on ground.
Each of your knees has two menisci which are c- shaped cushions between shin bone and thigh bone. They act as “shock absorbers” and help to transmit weight through knee smoothly and also plays important role in knee stability.
Causes: Meniscus tear can happen from acute trauma or degeneration that happens over time.
Acute meniscus tears often happen during contact sports where sudden twisting of knee occurs.
Symptoms: If Meniscus is torn, you may have following signs and symptoms in your knee.
A Popping sensation
Pain in the knee Joint, increases on weight bearing or twisting
Catching or locking of knee joint
Limping
Difficulty in straightening or bending your knee fully.
Investigations:
X- Ray: Although X- Ray will not show torn meniscus but this is done to rule out other causes of knee pain like osteoarthritis, fractures etc
MRI: MRI Scans will give a detailed assessment of bone and soft tissues in the knee and it’s best imaging study to detect torn meniscus.
Treatment: Treatment for a torn meniscus depends on type, size and grade of tear. Patient age and symptoms are also taken into consideration.
Dengenerative and partial tears are generally managed consertively with analgesics and physiotherapy exercises.
Surgery: If your symptoms persists with non-surgical treatment or if your knee locks/ range of motion restricted, your doctor might recommend surgery.
Complete or grade III tears are generally managed with surgery.
Arthroscopy (Key Hole Surgery): Knee Arthroscopy is one of the commonest surgical procedure performed for meniscus or ligament tears in the knee. Arthroscope in inserted through a small incision which provides a clear view of the knee. Other surgical instruments are then inserted through two or three other small incisions to trim or repair the meniscus.