Meniscus Tear

What is a meniscus tear?

The meniscus is a C-shaped disc of rubbery cartilage located between your femur and tibia in your knee. 

You have two menisci in each knee, one on each side of your kneecap. They cushion your knees, absorbing shock and preventing your bones from rubbing together when you bend or extend your knee.

A meniscus tear, sometimes called torn cartilage, is a prevalent injury, especially among athletes. However, you don’t have to be athletic to tear a meniscus. Age-related degeneration can also contribute to meniscus damage and tears. 

Meniscus tears are painful. Your knee swells and becomes stiff. You may also have a feeling of instability or a locking sensation in your knee.

What causes meniscus tears?

Meniscus tears are prevalent sports injuries. In many cases, they’re caused by a sudden twisting motion when you pivot while running or collide with another player. Kneeling, squatting, and lifting heavy objects can also cause a meniscus tear.

As you age and your cartilage becomes dry and weak, you could even tear a meniscus by getting up from a chair and inadvertently twisting your knee.

How is a meniscus tear diagnosed?

Dr. Blackwell offers comprehensive exams and diagnostic imaging studies to identify torn menisci. After reviewing your symptoms, he examines your knee to check for swelling or tenderness along the joint line. 

When necessary, Dr. Blackwell may recommend an MRI or X-ray to confirm your diagnosis and evaluate the severity of your injury. For your convenience, the Center for Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine has an on-site open MRI machine. 

How is a meniscus tear treated?

The Center for Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine provides personalized treatment plans tailored to address the severity of your injury. 

If your tear is minor, Dr. Blackwell may suggest starting with the rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) method, as your injury may heal on its own. You might also benefit from steroid injections, anti-inflammatory medicine, and physical therapy.

In more severe cases, you may need surgical repair. Dr. Blackwell uses arthroscopy, a minimally invasive surgical procedure, to remove or repair the damaged tissue. He uses specialized surgical tools inserted through just a few small incisions in your knee. One of the instruments sends a live video stream to a monitor in the treatment room, allowing him to see inside your knee.

If you’re concerned about a meniscus tear, call the Center for Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine or make an appointment online today for expert diagnosis and treatment.