Medication
- Meniscus – It acts like a shock absorber for your knees and it’s located just between the tibia and femur. ...
- Ligaments – All the bones in our body are joined with ligaments. ...
- Tendons – Your muscles are connected with bones by tendons. ...
- Collateral ligaments – Collateral ligaments are found at the side of your knees. ...
Procedures
Your care after surgery may involve:
- Crutches to take stress off the knee as it heals.
- Knee brace to stabilize the joint as you recover.
- Pain medications.
- Physical therapy.
- Rehabilitation exercises at home to restore mobility, range of motion and strength.
- RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation).
Therapy
Many times these tears are in a portion of the meniscus that does get blood supply so they could potentially heal on its own. If they do not heal naturally then surgical repair can sometimes be tried to help.
Self-care
Unfortunately, a torn meniscus is a fairly common injury among triathletes, but it doesn’t always have to mean surgery. Dr. Jordan Metzl explains. John is a 40-year-old triathlete who came in to see me with a painful knee and an MRI scan. “Doc”, he said, “my knee has been hurting for a few weeks, so I got an MRI from my primary care physician.
Nutrition
What happens if you leave a torn meniscus untreated?
How long for a torn meniscus to heal after surgery?
Does a torn meniscus heal on its own?
Does a torn meniscus always require surgery?
See more
Can a torn meniscus heal on its own?
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.
How long does it take for a torn meniscus to heal without surgery?
Meniscus tears are the most frequently treated knee injuries. Recovery will take about 6 to 8 weeks if your meniscus tear is treated conservatively, without surgery. If your symptoms persist after 3 months or your symptoms become significant, your doctor may recommend surgery to repair the tear.
How do they fix a torn meniscus?
Surgery is a very effective way to repair a torn meniscus. If the tear is too big to repair, your surgeon may remove all or part of the meniscus. After recovery, your knee will be more stable, and you'll be less likely to develop additional knee problems.
Can you walk around with a torn meniscus?
A torn meniscus usually produces well-localized pain in the knee. The pain often is worse during twisting or squatting motions. Unless the torn meniscus has locked the knee, many people with a torn meniscus can walk, stand, sit, and sleep without pain.
Will a knee brace help a torn meniscus?
Yes. Although knee braces do not heal or treat your meniscus tear directly, they can provide extra support and stability for your knee while your meniscus injury heals. A good brace will protect your knee and take the pressure off your meniscus, allowing it to rest.
What aggravates a torn meniscus?
You're most likely to injure your meniscus when suddenly twisting or turning while your foot is stationary and planted. You could injure your meniscus while playing sports, such as football, soccer, or baseball. You could also injure your meniscus off the field by lifting heavy boxes or slipping on a wet floor.
What are 3 signs of a meniscus tear in the knee?
SymptomsA popping sensation.Swelling or stiffness.Pain, especially when twisting or rotating your knee.Difficulty straightening your knee fully.Feeling as though your knee is locked in place when you try to move it.Feeling of your knee giving way.
Is it worth having meniscus surgery?
What are the benefits? Surgery to repair tears in the meniscus relieves symptoms 85% of the time. That means that of 100 people who have this surgery, 85 have relief from pain and can use their knee normally, while 15 do not. Surgery to repair tears may reduce the risk of long-term joint problems.
Will my knee ever be the same after meniscus surgery?
Most meniscal surgeries (95%) are partial meniscectomies where part of the meniscus is actually removed, not just repaired. Therefore, the remaining meniscus is now smaller and does not perform as well.
What should I avoid with a torn meniscus?
The only way to prevent and avoid a torn meniscus is to avoid activities that cause the knees to twist, bend, or rotate in an extreme fashion. If a person cannot avoid these activities, they should take as much care as possible while participating in them.
Can you make a torn meniscus worse?
If you have a mild ache during the run, or a mildly sore knee after a run then you can often continue running. There is very little risk that running will worsen the tear. Meniscus tears can always worsen… remember, this is a process of degeneration.
What percentage of meniscus tears require surgery?
Differing treatment It's important to know the differences between the tears because usually only acute traumatic tears are surgically repairable. Less than 10 percent of meniscal tears occurring in patients age 40 or older can be repaired.
What is a repair meniscus?
A repair involves reapproximating the torn edges of the meniscus to allow them to heal in their proper position so they won't get caught in the knee or cause mechanical symptoms.
What is the treatment for a meniscus tear?
A meniscal tear is an injury of the meniscus—a strong, supportive, and flexible tissue in your knee, and it can often be treated non-operatively. Non-surgical treatments for meniscus tear may include: Physical therapy. Strengthening exercises. Anti-inflammatory medications.
Why is meniscus repair surgery needed?
Why Meniscus Repair Surgery Is Needed. Surgical treatments include meniscectomy (partial or complete removal of the meniscus) or a repair of the tear. Meniscus tears that cause mechanical symptoms tend to respond well to surgical treatment. A mechanical symptom is caused by the torn meniscus physically impeding the normal movement of the knee.
What is partial meniscectomy?
A partial meniscectomy, which is partial meniscus removal, is usually done with a minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery. A partial meniscectomy is the removal of only the torn segment of the meniscus. This works very well over the short and long-term if the meniscus tear is relatively small. But for some large meniscus tears, a sufficient portion ...
Why does cartilage wear away after meniscus removal?
This is thought to be due to a loss of cushioning and the diminished stability of the knee joint that occur s after a meniscus is removed. A partial meniscectomy, which is partial meniscus removal, is usually done with a minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery. ...
What happens when you remove a meniscus?
This is thought to be due to a loss of cushioning and the diminished stability of the knee joint that occurs after a meniscus is removed.
What are mechanical symptoms of meniscus?
Common mechanical symptoms include: Locking of the knee (unable to bend) Inability to fully straighten the knee. A popping or clicking sound or sensation. These injuries are surgically treated either with a partial meniscectomy ...
How to repair a meniscus tear?
If a meniscus tear is considered appropriate for an attempt at repair, a number of techniques can be used. The surgery is primarily arthroscopic (minimally invasive) although additional small incisions, or cuts, may be necessary to perform the repair. A variety of devices or sutures can be used to perform a repair. If a patient has an ACL reconstruction at the same time as the repair of the meniscus, there is more blood present in the knee joint. As a result, the success rates of meniscus repair are higher when an ACL reconstruction is performed at the same time. Other methods can be used to improve the blood supply to a meniscus repair, for example using a portion of the patient’s own blood with a technique called platelet rich plasma (PRP).
What is the meniscus in the knee?
Meniscus Repair. The meniscus is the soft rubbery bumper cushion that sits between the thigh bone and the leg bone. There are two menisci in the knee; a medial (inside) and a lateral (outside) meniscus. These structures act as shock absorbers that decrease the stress seen by the articular cartilage found on the end of the thigh bone and leg bone.
How long after knee surgery can you run?
Most patients can put weight on the knee soon after surgery, although a brace may be used. Running is usually delayed until 3-4 months after surgery while a full return to sports and squatting typically occurs after 4-6 months.
Can meniscus tears be repaired?
However, most meniscus tears are not considered repairable. The meniscus has a limited blood supply, and tears in areas of little or no blood flow have a high risk of not healing. The pattern of the tear is also important. It is not always possible to predict whether a meniscus tear is repairable prior to surgery.
Can a meniscus tear cause a swollen knee?
Once the meniscus is torn, symptoms like locking, clicking, and catching may occur due to the torn fragment. In addition, patients will frequently notice swelling in the knee.
Can MRI confirm meniscus tear?
If there is some question regarding the diagnosis and MRI can be obtained to confirm a tear. Most tears remain symptomatic and will ultimately require treatment if they interfere with activities of daily living or sports and recreation activities. Click here to view a video and learn more about meniscus tears.
Is swelling in the knee normal?
In addition, patients will frequently notice swelling in the knee. The pain will be localized along the joint line on the inside or the outside of the knee depending on the tear. The diagnosis is made based upon a history and physical exam and frequently special tests. X-rays are often normal.
How to heal meniscal tear?
Meniscal surgery, despite being the most common orthopedic surgery has little evidence to support it and actually good evidence to suggest that we should eliminate the majority of these types of surgeries. If you or anyone you know has a meniscal tear or knee pain and are interested to see if you are a candidate for our non-surgical treatment for knees, please contact us. We are world experts at helping the body heal itself through regenerative measures for orthopedic problems.
How long does it take for a meniscal tear to heal?
If you have knee pain and have been told you have a suspected meniscal tear either from an exam or from MRI, much of the time this can heal on its own with 4-6 weeks of rest, doing some physical therapy that would focus on some range of motion and strengthening exercises and correcting any biomechanical problems that may stem from the core, back, hips or the ankles. Nutritional support such as just working on a healthy diet, reducing inflammation in the body, taking some turmeric, fish oil, glucosamine, and chondroitin, can help knee pain and inflammation as well.
What Is a Meniscus?
The meniscus is a fibrocartilage structure that sits on top of the tibia (lower leg bone ). There is one on the medial (inside) aspect of the knee, one on the lateral (outside) aspect of the knee. It is shaped like a C and provides some cushion and support for the knee joint as it acts as a shock absorber.
What is the most common type of tear on the meniscus?
One type of tear is a radial te ar, which is just a left to right tear across the meniscus (see Figure 2 – top row, middle). These are the most common types. Most commonly they are in what we call the white zone of the meniscus where it does not get much blood supply. Thus they are hard to heal naturally, so if you see a surgeon they will likely try to cut this part out despite the evidence saying that a meniscectomy does not work.
What is a bucket handle tear?
Another type of tear is a bucket-handle tear. This is a tear where the meniscus is torn and flipped over like a bucket-handle (see Figure 2 – bottom row, left). These sometimes can cause some catching or alter the motion of the knee. If that is the case then those would be the rare type of tear that actually would need surgery.
What is intrasubstance tear?
Next type of tear is an intrasubstance tear. Usually these are just degenerative tears in the midportion of the meniscus. Typically, surgeons will not even try to operate on these. After age 30, these are very common findings of a meniscal tear on MRI, which is of little consequence.
What is it called when a meniscus sticks out?
The meniscus also can be what is called extruded, where it sticks out the joint either from natural tearing or from after a meniscectomy. When a meniscus extrudes after surgery it is more abrupt and tends to progress arthritis much faster, whereas if it happens naturally, it is more of a gradual change that your body can many times adapt to.
How to repair a meniscus tear?
If your doctor’s exam shows your meniscus tear is mild (Grade 1 or 2), you may not need surgery. If it’s Grade 3, you probably will. Your doctor might choose to do any of the following: 1 Arthroscopic repair. Your doctor will make small cuts in your knee. They’ll insert an arthroscope to get a good look at the tear. Then they’ll place small devices that look like darts along the tear to stitch it up. Your body will absorb these over time. 2 Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. Your doctor will remove a piece of the torn meniscus so your knee can function normally. 3 Arthroscopic total meniscectomy. During this procedure, your doctor will remove the whole meniscus.
What happens if you tear your meniscus?
If you tear your meniscus, your leg might swell and feel stiff. You might feel pain when twisting your knee, or be unable to straighten your leg fully.
What to do if you have a grade 3 knee tear?
If it’s Grade 3, you probably will. Your doctor might choose to do any of the following: Arthroscopic repair. Your doctor will make small cuts in your knee. They’ll insert an arthroscope to get a good look at the tear. Then they’ll place small devices that look like darts along the tear to stitch it up.
How to repair a tear in the knee?
Arthroscopic repair. Your doctor will make small cuts in your knee. They’ll insert an arthroscope to get a good look at the tear. Then they’ll place small devices that look like darts along the tear to stitch it up. Your body will absorb these over time.
How long does it take to recover from a meniscectomy?
They may also share some exercises you can do at home. If you have a partial or total meniscectomy, you can expect your recovery to take about a month.
Can a doctor remove a torn meniscus?
Your doctor will remove a piece of the torn meniscus so your knee can function normally. Arthroscopic total meniscectomy. During this procedure, your doctor will remove the whole meniscus. Meniscus repair is low-risk. Complications are rare. They may include injury to skin nerves, infections, and knee stiffness.
Can you have surgery for a knee injury?
This will help to strengthen the muscles around your knee and keep it stable. If these treatments don’t work -- or if your injury is severe -- they might recommend surgery. To be sure, your doctor will probably have an MRI done. And they might look at the tear with an arthroscope.
How long does it take to repair a meniscus?
Length of arthroscopic meniscus repair. Arthroscopic meniscus repair generally takes between an hour and an hour and a half. Depending on how much other surgery is necessary to take care of other problems in the knee, the time may be a bit more or less.
What is meniscus replacement?
Meniscus replacement is considered for young, active patients who have previously had most of their meniscus removed, and develop pain in the area without having advanced degenerative changes to the articular (gliding surface) cartilage. Please see meniscus replacement for additional information.
Who should consider arthroscopic meniscus repair?
Even though the recovery is longer for a meniscus repair than for a meniscectomy, any repairable meniscus should generally be repaired. Meniscus repair is considered when:
What causes pain in the knee joint?
These symptoms are made worse with pivoting motions, squatting, and vigorous activities. Torn meniscus fragments can get caught in the knee joint and cause catching sensations.
How to treat a complication of arthroscopy?
The most effective treatment of complications is prevention. For example, the risk of infection is decreased by giving antibiotics prior to surgery, and the risk of blood clots is decreased by using anti-embolism stockings. If infection does occur, repeat arthroscopy to remove infected tissue and debris, in conjunction with antibiotics for six weeks is generally effective. If blood clots occur, blood thinners are used for three months to decrease the chance of clots growing or breaking off and traveling to the lungs. Knee stiffness can often be managed with physical therapy and braces, but may require arthroscopic releases to restore motion. Since most complications can be effectively managed when identified promptly, if patients have questions or concerns about the post-operative course, the surgeon should be informed as soon as possible.
What is the importance of meniscus?
The meniscus is an important structure for load transmission and shock absorption in the knee. The knee is subjected to up to 5 times body weight during activity, and half this force is transmitted through the meniscus with the knee straight, and 85% of the force goes through the meniscus with the knee bent ninety degrees. Loss of the meniscus increases the pressure on the articular (gliding) cartilage, which leads to degenerative changes. A successful meniscus repair preserves meniscus tissue and mitigates these changes.
How long after surgery do you take narcotic pain medication?
Patients require narcotic pain medications an average of 2-5 days after surgery.
How to recover from a meniscus tear?
The inner portion of your meniscus lacks this blood flow. That part of your meniscus gets its nutrients from the synovial fluid within your knee capsule. Moving your knee will produce more synovial fluid and thus improves the recovery of your meniscus tear. The best way to do this is by riding a stationary bike.
How much does it cost to repair a meniscus tear?
The recovery without exercises takes a little bit longer but comes without side effects. Surgery costs about $10,000 and also increases your risk of developing osteoarthritis. A total knee replacement because of that later in life will cost an ...
Why is my knee blue?
You can also experience some instability of your knee. That is because your femur and tibia don’t fit together anymore. A bucket Handle tear is one of the most common forms of a severe meniscus tear. Usually, swelling kicks in right after the injury, and your knee might become blue after 1-2 days.
What is the tear on the inner side of the knee?
Since the medial meniscus on the inner side of your knee damages most often, the symptoms are usually felt here. Due to the tear, an inflammatory process starts to remove the damage so that it can begin the repair. Unfortunately, your body often removes to much tissue.
Why does my meniscus tear?
The cause of a meniscus tear is often overload, a fall, or twisting of the knee. Wear and tear can also cause the quality of your meniscus to deteriorate, causing a tear. It is often associated with knee osteoarthritis.
How many menisci are there in the knee?
There are 2 menisci in your knee. These lie on your shin and ensure that your upper leg remains well on your shin. Your shin and thigh both have different shapes, so they don’t fit nicely on top of each other. Your meniscus provides stability to your knee and improves mobility.
What happens when your knee locks?
Now, this part of the meniscus can move freely inside the joint space. It can cause your knee to pop or lock. When your knee locks, you may not be able to bend it for some time. You can also experience some instability of your knee.
How to fix a meniscus tear?
Depending on the tear, they’ll either fix or remove the meniscus tear using tiny surgical tools. Afterward, your surgeon might suggest physical therapy to help support your knee and get you back in shape for your favorite sports and usual activities.
What to do if your meniscus is tearing?
If your torn meniscus doesn’t cause your knee to lock in place, you can take over-the-counter painkillers, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to address the swelling and pain. [7]
How to heal a knee tear?
Ice: Wrap a cold pack in a towel or rag and ice your injured knee for 20 minutes at a time, multiple times throughout the day. For your own safety, never ice your knee directly.
What to do if your knee hurts?
It often depends on the underlying cause of the knee pain. I have an appropriately cushioned mattress and working on mobility and stretching can help. If the knee pain is caused by arthritis such as If it's gout or pseudogout, then you probably need to discuss with talk to your rheumatologist about medications or therapy. If the underlying cause it's osteoarthritis, you could discuss physical therapy, oral medications or topical medications that may help.
How to get around a tear?
Rest: Avoid the sport or activity that caused your tear in the first place, and use crutches as needed to get around.
How to recover from a sprain?
1. Follow the RICE method. “RICE” is an acronym for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation, which are the four main things you need to recover safely and comfortably at home. After your injury, the RICE method helps reduce any swelling and discomfort while encouraging flexibility and recovery in the process.
Can a tear in the meniscus heal itself?
Yes, but it depends on how bad the tear is. Small tears along the outer third of your meniscus can heal independently, and might not need surgery. However, tears along the inner two-thirds of your meniscus will probably need surgery.