Meniscus Tear
A meniscus tear is a common knee injury involving the cartilage that acts as a cushion between your thighbone (femur) and shinbone (tibia). Each knee has two menisci – medial (inner) and lateral (outer). Tears can result from trauma (often athletes) or degeneration (due to aging).
Types of Tears:
- Radial – Most common, often in younger people
- Horizontal – split the meniscus parallel to the tibia
- Flap – Irregular, displaced pieces of cartilage
- Complex – Combination of tear patterns
- Bucket-handle – Large displaced flap that can lock the knee
Symptoms
- Popping sound during injury
- Pain and swelling
- Stiffness or inability to fully straighten the knee
- Locking or catching sensation
Diagnosis
- Physical exam (McMurray test)
- MRI – Gold standard for imaging meniscus tears
- Arthroscopy – May be used diagnostically and therapeutically
Treatment
Depends on tear type, size, and location
- Conservative: RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation), NSAIDs, physical therapy
- Surgical:
- Meniscectomy: removal of torn part (faster recovery but more risk of arthritis)
- Meniscus repair: Stitching the tear (longer recovery time but preserves function)
