Meniscus tear is one of the most common knee injuries. Various activities cause strong rotation
and sprain in your knee. Meniscus tear
may occur, especially when you put all your weight on one side. There are 2 menisci in each knee and they consist of C-shaped connective tissue. The menisci act like a cushion between the thigh
and shinbone. A torn meniscus causes pain, swelling and stiffness. At the same time, you may experience locking in your knee and difficulty in fully extending your knee. As conservative treatment
rest and ice application come to mind. These are sometimes enough to relieve the torn meniscus pain and heal on its own
over time. In some cases, a torn meniscus may still require surgical repair
.
SYMPTOMS
If your meniscus is torn, there may be following signs and symptoms in your knee.
· A feeling of sound coming from your knee
· Swelling and stiffness
· Pain; especially when moving and rotating your knee
· Difficulty in fully extending your knee,
· Feeling of locking in your knee when you try to move
WHEN SHOULD WE SEE A DOCTOR?
If you have pain and swelling in your knee and If you cannot move your knee as usual, contact your doctor.
REASONS
The meniscus may tear as a result of various activities that cause strong rotation in your knee. Even kneeling, serious
squatting, and lifting heavy objects can sometimes lead to a meniscus tear. Degenerative
changes in the knees in the elderly may occur with a torn meniscus, with or without minor trauma.
RISK FACTORS
Activities with excessive turning and rotation are a risk for meniscus tear. The risk
is especially high in athletes who do strenuous activities such as football, tennis and basketball. As you get older, the risk of meniscus tears increases due to fatigue in your knees. A meniscus can often be diagnosed during a physical examination. Your doctor may move your knee and leg
in different positions. g to walk The doctor may ask you to kneel down to determine the exact cause of your signs and symptoms.
IMAGING TESTS
· X-ray: Since the menisci are made of connective tissue, they will not be visible on the x-ray.
It may help in the differential diagnosis of other problems that cause the same symptoms.
· MRI: Radio waves
and a strong magnetic field are used to provide detailed imaging of the soft tissue and bone tissues in your knee. It is the best
imaging study to visualize and investigate the torn meniscus.
· Arthroscopy: In some cases, your doctor may use a tool called an arthroscope to examine the inside of your knee. The arthroscope is inserted through a small incision made near your knee. The device consists of a small
camera and light. Transfers enlarged images from your device array to a screen. To repair and cut the
tear in your knee, an additional small incision is made and, if necessary, surgical instruments
are inserted into your knee along with the arthroscope.
PRIORITY TREATMENT
The treatment of a torn meniscus is the location and diameter of the tear. It often starts conservatively, depending on the type of tear. If the tear is accompanied by calcification, the calcification treatment usually provides healing. Some tears that do not hinder or lock the knee movements and cause less pain, therefore do not require surgery.
YOUR DOCTOR MAY RECOMMEND: Avoid
activities and using crutches if your pain is severe will reduce the pain in your knee
and promote healing. · Ice: Ice reduces knee pain and swelling. Apply an ice pack, bag of frozen vegetables, or a towel filled with ice
cubes to your knee for 15 minutes. Keep your knee high. Do it every 4 or 6 hours for the first
day or two. You can then determine the frequency according to your needs.
· Medication: Along with the above measures, it reduces pain and helps relieve knee pain.
· Therapy: Physiotherapy helps you strengthen the muscles around your knee and leg. It is possible. It supports your knee
joint and contributes to stabilization.
· Cerr ahi: If your knee pain continues despite rehabilitation treatment and your knee locks
your doctor may recommend surgical treatment. Especially in children and adults, repair of torn meniscus
is often more advantageous. Because as the amount of meniscus tissue decreases, the degree of calcification in the knees increases. If the tear cannot be repaired, the meniscus can be surgically removed with a small incision using an arthroscope. After surgery, exercises will be required to strengthen and stabilize your knee.
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