Torn Meniscus

Everything You Need To Know About Torn Meniscus

What is Torn Meniscus?

A ‘Torn Meniscus’ is a term used for a type of knee injury. This is one of the most common knee injuries caused by forcefully twisting or rotating the knee while placing an entire body weight on it. Knees comprise two C-shaped cartilage pieces that serve as a cushion between the shinbone and your thighbone.

An individual with torn meniscus can feel a lot of pain, swelling, and stiffness in the knee. Another symptom is blocked knee motion and the inability to extend the knee fully. In most cases, the doctor will suggest rest, ice, and medication. With little rest, the injury will heal on its own. Some cases of a torn meniscus may also require surgery.

Stages and Types of Torn Meniscus

A Torn Meniscus can be classified into the following types:

Radial Tear: This is the most common type of meniscus tear. It occurs in the area of the knee that lacks blood supply. Hence, it is unable to heal on its own. A severe radial tear may need surgery that involves trimming away the damaged part of the meniscus.

Horizontal Tear: Known to be the most accessible type of tear to repair, a horizontal tear is treated sewing circumferential fibers of the meniscus back together.

Incomplete Tear: The tear may look normal but actually signals the early stage of degenerative changes in the meniscus tissue. However, this is a stable injury that can be diagnosed through an MRI scan and treated without surgery.

Complex Tear: A complex meniscus tear comprises several tear patterns, mainly patterns suggesting radial and horizontal tears. The doctor will suggest the removal of the meniscus.

Flap Tear: A flap tear creates a rare tear pattern wherein a patient experiences a catching sensation in the knee caused by a meniscus flap.

Bucket Handle Tear: It is similar to a horizontal tear but involves a more significant portion of the meniscus. The normal functioning of the knee is blocked due to the stuck knee and meniscus being torn apart. A bucket handle tear demands urgent surgery to restore the capability of the knee to bend.

Symptoms of Torn Meniscus

A torn meniscus usually takes 24 hours to show symptoms such as tears and swelling. Listed below are some common signs and symptoms you can observe in the knee:

  • A feeling that the knee is knee giving way
  • A popping sensation
  • Pain while rotating and twisting your knee
  • Swelling
  • Stiffness
  • Difficulty straightening knee fully
  • Locked knee (cannot move)

Risk Factors of Torn Meniscus

One of the major risk factors for a torn meniscus is performing activities involving aggressive twisting and pivoting of the knee. Athletes are at greater risk of developing this condition, especially those participating in contact sports like basketball, football, or tennis.

Another risk factor is age-related wear and tear on your knees. Individuals who are overweight can also suffer from a torn meniscus.

Causes of Torn Meniscus

A torn meniscus can happen from any activity that causes you to twist or rotate your knee forcefully. These include forceful pivoting or sudden stops and turns. In some cases, kneeling, lifting heavy objects, or deep squatting may result in a torn meniscus.

Degenerative changes in the knee are the most common cause of meniscus tearing in older adults.

Prevention of Torn Meniscus

It is only possible to prevent an accidental injury partially. However, you can follow specific measures to reduce the overall risk factors of developing a torn meniscus. Here is what you need to do:

  • Strengthen the muscles responsible for supporting and stabilizing the knee.
  • Wearing a knee brace can help you protect an unstable or weak knee.
  • Always increase the intensity of an exercise activity gradually.
  • Wear appropriate athletic shoes while playing a sport

Frequently Asked Questions

No. The meniscus interrupts the blood supply affecting the ability to heal itself after tearing. A small tear can heal itself. However, larger tears require repair.

A doctor may suggest surgery if the tear causes the knee to lock or instability.

No. An MRI is the only way to diagnose a meniscal tear. A doctor can accurately diagnose a meniscal tear with a physical examination. However, an MRI may be prescribed to determine the severity of the injury, tear displacement, and any other injuries.

A torn meniscus in the knee usually causes localized pain. The pain is frequently exacerbated by twisting or squatting motions. Many persons with a torn meniscus can continue their daily activities without feeling much pain until the tear locks the knee.

Compression sleeves can work as the ideal knee brace for a torn meniscus, especially if you have arthritic knees or a degenerative disease. Athletes nearing the end of rehabilitation can benefit from compression therapy. It helps relieve pain and promotes faster healing.

Yes. All meniscus tears hurt. However, the pain may or may not be persistent. Some patients may experience sharp pain while others feel a constant dull ache sensation. The pain gets worse when the knee is bent or extended fully.

It takes about 6-8 weeks for a meniscus tear to heal and is managed conservatively. The exact time depends on the severity, type of tear, and physical activity you involve in.

A tiny tear in the meniscus can heal on its own. Other severe cases may require arthroscopic surgery. Most people can get back to pre-injury activities without knee pain.

    For More Information

    Just give us a call at 305-284-7500 or click the button below.