Meniscus Injury Treatment Options

A meniscal tear is the most common type of knee injury, occurring when the knee is twisted. Athletes frequently sustain this injury. Treatment depends on the severity of the tear and how much time has elapsed since the injury. Treatment can be as simple as rest, applying ice or physical therapy. More severe tears may require surgery, including removal of the meniscal cartilage.

Definition of Meniscus

• Meniscus is cartilage in the largest joint in the human body, occurring where the shin bone, thigh and kneecap join. It acts as a shock absorber. It usually occurs when the knee is twisted. Athletes, especially those who play contact sports such as tackling another player in football, are at risk for meniscal tears. But the injury is not confined to athletes in prime physical condition. Meniscal injuries can occur at any time to people of any age. As our bodies grow older, the meniscus degenerates or thins out, so a senior citizen could experience a meniscal tear just by getting up from a chair, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

  Symptoms include knee pain, locking of the joint, swelling and a "pop" at the time of injury, according to Medline, an online health resource sponsored by the National Library of Medicine and the National Institute of Health.

Treatment of Meniscal Tears

• Treatment options depend on the severity of the tear and when it occurred. People who sustain a knee injury are advised to seek medical care soon after the injury occurs. Until the appointment, the injured person should rest, ice his knee, use compression such as an Ace bandage or knee brace, and elevate the knee, according to Sports Injury Info. A physician will perform tests on the knee in order to diagnose the injury, and may order an MRI to determine the extent of the tear.

  If the tear is minor, the health care provider may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs, and continue having the injured person continue to use ice and compression, and is likely to refer the patient to physical therapy, as proper exercise is important to regain use of the knee.

  Some level of surgery, usually arthroscopic, usually will be performed on more severe tears. The type of surgery also will depend on what part of the meniscus is torn. Meniscal tears on the outside of the knee are easier to repair than those on the inside of the knee.

  The most basic surgery is to simply repair the tear by sewing it together.

  The second level of surgery is to remove the torn section. This is called a partial meniscectomy.

  The final level is complete removal of the meniscus cartilage. This is called a total meniscectomy. Webmd.com notes physicians like to avoid this final option as it can lead to osteoarthritis in the knee.

  Physical therapy will usually be prescribed after all levels of surgery to help the patient regain use of his knee.