Health Encyclopedia

Meniscus tears

Definition

Meniscus tears describes a tear in the shock-absorbing cartilage (meniscus) of the knee.

Alternative Names

Tear - meniscus; Knee injury - meniscus; Cartilage tear

Considerations

The meniscus is a C-shaped fibrous piece of cartilage which is found in certain joints and forms a buffer between the bones to protect the joint. The meniscus also serves as a shock-absorption system, assists in lubricating the joint, and limits the joint flexion and extension.

Causes

Meniscal tears are most commonly caused by twisting or over-flexing the joint.

Symptoms

A "pop" noted at the time of injury
Joint pain
Knee pain
- Feels like it is in the space between the bones
- Gets worse when gentle pressure is applied to the joint
Recurrent knee-catching
Locking of the joint

The health care provider will perform the McMurray's test. For this test, you lie on your back while holding the heel of your injured leg with your leg bent. Pressure is placed on the outside of the knee with the doctor hand, and the leg is straightened with the foot turned in (internally rotated). Pain or a click over the inner part the joint means an inner (medial) meniscal tear.

For an Apley's compression test, the health care provider will have you lie on your back with your knee bent at a 90 degree angle. The provider will grab your foot with both hands and rotate it to the outside (lateral rotation) while a downward force is applied to the foot. The provider's knee and thigh may be used to stabilize your thigh. Pain in the inner part of the joint may indicate an inner (medial) meniscal tear.

A ballottement test for synovial effusions (excess joint fluid) is positive in meniscal tears, indicating swelling with fluid around the joint.

Other tests that show meniscus tears may include:

Knee MRI
Knee joint x-ray

First Aid

The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms and protect the joint from further injury while it heals.

Full weight bearing is discouraged (the person may need to use crutches). A knee immobilizer is often applied to prevent further injury to the joint. Ice is applied to reduce swelling, and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are given to reduce swelling and pain.

Physical activity is allowed, as tolerated. Physical therapy should be involved to help regain joint and leg strength. If the injury is acute, or you have a high activity level, knee arthroscopy (surgery) may be necessary. Age has an effect on treatment. Younger patients are more likely to have problems without surgery.

Do Not

DO NOT put all your weight on your leg if it is painful.

Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if

Call your health care provider if symptoms of meniscus tears occur after an injury to the knee.

Call your health care provider if you are being treated for a meniscus tear and you notice increased instability in your knee, if pain or swelling return after they initially subsided, or if your injury does not appear to be resolving with time.

Also call if you re-injure your knee.

Prevention

Use proper technique when exercising or playing sports. Many cases of meniscus tears may not be preventable.

Review Date:5/31/2006
Reviewed By:Kevin B. Freedman, MD, MSCE, Sports Medicine, Orthopaedic Specialists, Bryn Mawr, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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