A Family Doctor's Tale - MENISCUS TEARS

DOC I HAVE A MENISCUS TEAR


Meniscus tear is a common disorder of the knee caused by contact or non-contact activity when a weight bearing knee moves or twists suddenly resulting in a tear of the meniscus.

It can also occur from wear and tear through repeated usage of the meniscus which is a cartilage acting as a shock absorber during weight bearing activities.

The meniscus helps to maintain the knee stability .

It is more common in footballers especially above the age of 30.

The causes of Meniscus tears are:
Several conditions has been blamed:
1.Repetitive movements of the knee-soccer players who use repetitive movements are at higher risk of Meniscus tears.

2.Normal wear and tear- with age the blood supply to the knee is reduced resulting in degeneration of the meniscus.

3.trauma - injury to the meniscus such as a fall or direct hit to the knee

4.Obesity cause more weight bearing effect on the meniscus

Symptoms of Meniscus tears:
1.Pain in the knee

2.swelling of the knee

3.inability to bend or straighten the knee

4.locking of the knee

5.difficulty in walking because of the pain

Diagnosis:
1.history of a fall or injury followed by limitation of movement of the knee

2.MRI will show if there is a meniscus tear in the knee joint


The Treatment of meniscus tears is:

Conservative treatment:
1.rest,elevation and ice compress treatment of the knee

2.Pain killers such as NSAID(non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for pain

3.Muscle relaxant to relax muscles

4.crutches can reduce the weight off the affected limb

5.Physiotherapy such as traction, shortwave diathermy help to increase knee muscle strength and improve flexibility of movement of the knee

Surgery is usually indicated in Meniscus tears if the condition does not improve with conservative treatment.

A keyhole or arthroscopic repair is done to remove the torn meniscus

Physiotherapy starts the day after surgery.

The prognosis of meniscus tears is:
Prognosis depends on the severity of the meniscus tear.

In most cases Meniscus tears may require surgical treatment

Prognosis is good after surgical treatment.

Prevention of Meniscus tears is:

Avoid obesity and weight bearing on the knee

Avoid strenuous physical activity of the knee

Avoid sudden turning and twisting of the knee