Meniscus Tears

What is the Meniscus?

The meniscus consists of two C-shaped cartilage pads that cushion and stabilize the knee joint. Tears can be traumatic (sports injuries) or degenerative (aging).

Symptoms

  • Sharp pain during movement.
  • Swelling over several hours.
  • Mechanical symptoms like locking or clicking.

Diagnosis

  1. Physical Examination:
    • McMurray Test: Detects clicking during knee flexion/extension.
    • Thessaly Test: Pain during twisting on a bent knee.
  2. Imaging:
    • MRI to confirm the type and extent of tear.

Treatment

  • Non-Surgical:
    • Rest, NSAIDs, physiotherapy for small or degenerative tears.
  • Surgical:
    • Arthroscopic meniscus repair (sutures for healing).
    • Partial meniscectomy (removal of damaged tissue).