Meniscus Tear

What is a Meniscus Tear?

A meniscus tear is a knee joint injury that involves the damage or tearing of the meniscus, a C-shaped cartilage piece in each knee joint. This cartilage plays a role in stabilising the knee, absorbing shock, and facilitating smooth joint movements.

A torn meniscus typically occurs due to various factors, including sudden twisting movements, deep squatting, and repetitive stress on the knee joint. The injury manifests as pain, swelling, and a limited range of motion in the affected knee​​.

Types of Meniscus Tears

Meniscus tears can vary in type, each presenting unique characteristics and implications for treatment.

• Intrasubstance/Incomplete Tear
  This type of tear is characterised by damage within the substance of the meniscus but does not extend through the entire thickness of the cartilage.
• Radial Tear
  Occurring along the radius of the meniscus, these tears can potentially disrupt the natural load-bearing function of the meniscus.
• Horizontal Tear
  Horizontal tears run parallel to the tibial plateau and may create a flap of the meniscus that can interfere with knee mechanics.
• Bucket Handle Tear
  This tear involves a large, displaced fragment of the meniscus, often leading to mechanical symptoms such as locking.
• Complex Tear
  Complex tears involve a combination of tear patterns, typically affecting a larger portion of the meniscus.
• Flap Tear
  Flap tears result in a portion of the meniscus becoming displaced, leading to catching or locking symptoms during knee movement​​.

Causes and Risk Factors

Meniscus tears can result from various causes and are influenced by several risk factors:

• Trauma to the Knee
  Sudden, forceful twisting or impact to the knee, often during sports or accidents, is a common cause of meniscus tears. These injuries are typically seen in younger individuals engaged in physical activities​​​​.
• Age-Related Degenerative Changes
  Natural wear and tear can make the meniscus more vulnerable to tearing. Older adults may experience meniscus tears with minimal or no trauma, often as a part of the degenerative process​​​​.
• Repetitive Use of the Knee
  Activities that involve frequent squatting, kneeling, or pivoting can increase the risk of a meniscus tear. This is due to the repetitive stress placed on the knee joint​​​​.
• Obesity
  Excess body weight adds stress to the knee joint, making it more susceptible to injuries, including meniscus tears​​​​.
• Stress on the Knee from Sports Participation
  Athletes, particularly those in contact sports or activities involving pivoting, such as football, tennis, or basketball, are at a higher risk of experiencing meniscus tears due to the nature of these sports​​.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Non-surgical methods are often considered the first line of treatment for meniscus tears, particularly when the injury is less severe.

Medication

Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications can be effective in managing pain and reducing inflammation associated with a meniscus tear.

Physiotherapy

The meniscus tear specialist may suggest physiotherapy to strengthen the muscles around the knee joint. This can help improve joint stability and enhance the range of motion. It is often recommended for individuals with less severe meniscus tears​​​​.

Surgical Treatment Options

In certain cases, surgery may be necessary to effectively treat a meniscus tear, especially if the knee remains painful or its functionality is compromised.

• Arthroscopic Meniscus Repair
  This surgery involves the use of an arthroscope, a tiny camera with fibro-optic lights, which allows the surgeon to view and repair the torn meniscus through small incisions. This technique is beneficial for precise repair, promoting faster recovery while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible​​. The minimally invasive nature of this surgery also leads to less scarring and minimal trauma to the knee muscles.