The menisci of the knee joint are crescent-shaped wedges of fibrocartilage that provide increased stability to the femorotibial articulation, distribute axial load, absorb shock, and provide lubrication to the knee joint. Injuries to the menisci are recognized as a cause of significant musculoskeletal morbidity.
What is meniscus?
The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of tough, rubbery cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between your shinbone and thighbone. It can be torn if you suddenly twist your knee while bearing weight on it. A torn meniscus is one of the most common knee injuries.
How important is the meniscus?
The meniscus has an important function inside the knee as a shock absorber that helps distribute the load of the body. If the entire meniscus is removed, the rest of the joint gets overloaded and the knee is susceptible to arthritis. This is why the surgeon will save as much of the meniscus as possible.
How does the meniscus work?
Each meniscus acts as a natural cushion between the thighbone (femur) and shinbone (tibia). The two cushions prevent excess wear and tear inside the knee joint by keeping the ends of the two bones from rubbing together.Where is meniscus located?
The menisci sit between the tibia (lower leg bone) and the femur (thigh bone) and protect the lower part of the leg from the shock created by our body weight. The medial meniscus sits on the inside of the knee and the lateral meniscus sits on the outside of the knee.
How painful is meniscus?
In a typical moderate tear, you feel pain at the side or in the center of the knee, depending on where the tear is. Often, you are still able to walk. Swelling usually increases gradually over 2 to 3 days and may make the knee feel stiff and limit bending. There is often sharp pain when twisting or squatting.
Do meniscus tears heal?
In the case of meniscus tears, some people think the injury will heal over time on its own. But the truth is that there are different types of meniscus tears — and some tears won’t heal without treatment. If your tear is on the outer one-third of the meniscus, it may heal on its own or be repaired surgically.
What happens after meniscus is removed?
When the torn part of the meniscus is removed, any catching or locking should be gone immediately. Pain is usually minimal by 1 week after surgery. Full motion of the knee returns as the swelling disappears, usually within 4-6 weeks after the surgery.How can I heal faster after meniscus surgery?
You will recover more quickly if you carefully follow all your doctor’s instructions. In your first days after surgery, you will need apply ice frequently and elevate your knee above your heart to help relieve swelling. Be sure to get plenty of sleep, to help your body heal.
Can a meniscus be repaired twice?If a patient underwent a surgical meniscus repair and still experiences pain and swelling, or if a patient re-tears the cartilage, a revision meniscus repair may be necessary.
Article first time published onCan a meniscus be removed?
Surgery Overview. Meniscectomy is the surgical removal of all or part of a torn meniscus. A meniscus tear is a common knee joint injury. Surgeons who perform meniscectomies (orthopedic surgeons) will make surgical decisions based on the meniscus’s ability to heal as well as your age, health, and activity level.
How long does it take to recover from meniscus surgery?
It takes longer for a meniscus repair to heal than a meniscectomy. Full recovery from meniscus surgery can take anywhere from six weeks to three months.
How do you treat a meniscus tear?
- Rest the knee. …
- Ice your knee to reduce pain and swelling. …
- Compress your knee. …
- Elevate your knee with a pillow under your heel when you’re sitting or lying down.
- Take anti-inflammatory medications. …
- Use stretching and strengthening exercises to help reduce stress to your knee.
How painful is a meniscus root repair?
Patients with medial meniscus root tears will typically complain of a mild ache in the back of the knee for a few weeks and then report a sharp increase in pain and inability to bear weight (walk) after a trivial injury (stepping of a curb or stair).
Which is worse lateral or medial meniscus tear?
Is the lateral meniscus tear worse than a medial meniscus tear? It is hard to differentiate what type of tear is worse if it is repairable. However, it is well known that if a lateral meniscus is taken out, the consequences are almost always worse than having a medial meniscus resected.
What foods help heal a torn meniscus?
- Legumes. For optimal joint function, it is important to beat inflammation wherever possible—inflammation is the primary source of collagen and, by extension, cartilage breakdown. …
- Oranges. …
- Pomegranates. …
- Green Tea. …
- Brown Rice. …
- Nuts. …
- Brussel Sprouts.
Does meniscus grow back?
The part of the meniscus removed does not grow back, but is replaced by fibrous tissue. There is an increased likelihood of developing osteoarthritis in patients who have undergone complete (total) menisectomy.
Should you stay off a torn meniscus?
Rest. You should stay off your feet until your meniscus tear is healed. Don’t walk, run, or play sports because this can make your injury worse.
Is walking good after meniscus surgery?
As this healing occurs, patients progress towards bearing weight, increasing their range of motion, and leaving the knee brace behind. How quickly this progress occurs varies by surgeon, but a typical range is 4-8 weeks. Patients are usually out of the brace and walking without crutches around 2-3 months.
What happens if you don't repair a torn meniscus?
An untreated meniscus tear can result in the frayed edge getting caught in the joint, causing pain and swelling. It can also result in long term knee problems such as arthritis and other soft tissue damage.
Is it better to repair or remove meniscus?
In general, it’s better to fix the meniscus than to remove it. Some types of tears can’t be fixed. For example, radial tears sometimes can be fixed, but it depends on where they are. But most horizontal, long-standing, and degenerative tears—those caused by years of wear and tear—can’t be fixed.
Do they put you to sleep for meniscus surgery?
Your healthcare provider may suggest full or partial meniscus removal if you tear your meniscus. Meniscectomy can be done with local or general anesthesia (in which you are put to sleep) and it can decrease pain and restore mobility.
Can I live with a meniscus tear?
“You can live with a meniscus tear,” Dr. Parker says. “And it may heal on its own, or just not cause you problems.” However, you’ll know pretty quickly when it is a problem.
What is the difference between meniscus repair and Meniscectomy?
Meniscus Tear Removal vs. There are two basic approaches to treating a torn meniscus: removing the torn part of the meniscus (a procedure called a meniscectomy); repairing the meniscus by suturing the torn parts together.
Is meniscus surgery successful?
Effectiveness. When performed by an experienced surgeon, meniscus repair is highly successful , with good results in approximately 90% of patients. Any knee that is injured has a higher likelihood of developing arthritis.
What makes a meniscus tear worse?
A meniscus tear can get worse when left untreated. For example, you might have trouble managing the pain and swelling in your knee, or your knee may continue feeling like it’s catching or locking.
How do I know if I need meniscus surgery?
If you have a moderate to large tear at the outer edge of the meniscus (red zone), you may want to think about surgery. These kinds of tears tend to heal well after surgery. If you have a tear that spreads from the red zone into the inner two-thirds of the meniscus (called the white zone ), your decision is harder.
How does a meniscus tear happen?
A meniscus tear can occur when the knee is suddenly twisted while the foot is planted on the ground. A tear can also develop slowly as the meniscus loses resiliency. In this case, a portion may break off, leaving frayed edges. Depending on the severity of the injury, surgical repair may or may not be needed.
