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Meniscal Tears

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Meniscal Tears

The knee joint contains two wedge-shaped pieces of cartilage known as menisci, which help stabilize the joint and act as shock absorbers. Meniscal tears are a frequent knee injury among athletes, particularly those participating in contact sports. A sudden bending or twisting motion of the knee can result in a tear in the meniscus, which is referred to as a traumatic meniscal tear. The elderly is more likely to experience degenerative meniscal tears as the cartilage deteriorates and weakens with age.

There Are Several Types Of Meniscal Tears, Including:

  • Radial tear: A radial tear occurs when the tear extends from the inner edge of the meniscus to the outer edge.
  • Flap tear: A flap tear is when a piece of the meniscus is torn, but remains partially attached.
  • Horizontal tear: A horizontal tear occurs parallel to the surface of the meniscus.
  • Complex tear: A complex tear is a combination of two or more types of tears.
  • Bucket handle tear: A bucket handle tear is when a portion of the meniscus is torn and flips into the joint space, causing the knee to lock.
  • The location, pattern, and severity of the tear will determine the appropriate treatment for a meniscal tear.

What Are The Causes Of Meniscal Tears?

Meniscal tears can occur due to a variety of reasons, including:

  • Trauma: A sudden twisting or bending of the knee during activities like sports can cause a meniscal tear.
  • Age-related degeneration: As people age, the meniscus can become weaker and more prone to tears due to degenerative changes.
  • Repetitive stress: Activities that involve repetitive squatting or kneeling, such as gardening or construction work, can lead to meniscal tears over time.
  • Obesity: Being overweight can increase the load on the knee joint and contribute to meniscal tears.
  • Congenital abnormalities: Some people may be born with menisci that are more susceptible to tearing.
  • Other knee injuries: Previous knee injuries, such as ligament tears, can also increase the risk of meniscal tears.

Signs And Symptoms Of Meniscal Tears:

Symptoms of a meniscal tear may include pain, swelling, stiffness, and a catching or locking sensation in the knee. A torn meniscus may make it difficult to fully extend or flex the knee, limiting the range of motion.

What Are The Methods For Diagnosing Meniscal Tears?

There are several methods that can be used to diagnose a meniscal tear.

  • Physical examination: The doctor will examine the knee to check for tenderness,swelling, and limited range of motion. Doctor may also perform tests such as McMurray's test, Apley's compression test, or Thessaly test to check for meniscal tears.
  • Imaging tests: X-rays can help rule out other conditions, while magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide detailed images of the knee and help confirm a diagnosis of a meniscal tear.
  • Arthroscopy: In some cases, arthroscopic surgery may be needed to directly visualize the inside of the knee joint and diagnose a meniscal tear.
  • Ultrasound: Ultrasound imaging can also be used to diagnose a meniscal tear, although it is less commonly used than MRI or arthroscopy.

Other Knee Conditions

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Unstable Knee
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Hip Dislocation
Meniscal Tears
Ligament Injuries