Meniscus Tear

A Tear of the meniscus describes a condition in which one of the e fibrocartilage strips in the knee have been ruptured. This condition is also referred to sometimes by doctors as a "torn cartilage" in the knee.

Inside our knees we have two menisci, made out of a fibro material, which is similar to a flexible plastic; both are positioned on top of the upper tibia bone, called 'tibial Platea'. The menisci's main function is to stabilize the knee and function as shock observers for the knee joint.

Most of the Meniscus tear cases are caused by a traumatic circular motion of the tibia bone on the femur bone while carrying some weight while the knee is bent. This usually happens during sporting activities or other forms of physical efforts; however, it is also possible to tear the meniscus during 'regular' less stressful activities such as sitting.

Meniscus Tear Video

Meniscus Tear Signs & Symptoms

Our menisci do not have nerves running through them, so we do not feel them directly when torn. What we do feel is pain from other knee particles in the torn meniscus' area. These particles that we feel the pain from are usually the ligaments that are attached to the menisci.

Symptoms of a torn meniscus can include:

• Pain from the knee
• Swelling of the knee area
• The knee "locking" a lot (this is actually the joint locking)
• A "clicking" feeling
• The knee "buckling" while walking

Meniscus Tear Treatments

Because there is low blood supply to the knee menisci, the healing period takes longer than other organs. If the injury isn't that severe and there is no "lockage" or "buckling", the doctor will begin with physiotherapy, as this is the most appropriate treatment for this condition. The physiotherapy can include: heat & cold treatmentsTreatments such as ice and heating pads can be alternated for the purpose of reducing inflammation and pain as well as healing muscles and tendons. (Source: eHow)., electrotherapyThe use of electrical energy as a medical treatment. For example to speed up wound healing or to stimulating the brain (Source: Wikipedia)., massages and more.

If the tear is severe, then the doctor will recommend surgery. The surgery commonly done is arthroscopic surgery, with the use of a tiny camera inserted into the knee. This surgery is a minimal invasive procedure designated for treating the knee joint. During the surgery, the surgeon can remove the torn tissue and allow the patient to function with a partial meniscus, or perform a complete removal of the meniscus, a menisectomy (less recommended as this might lead to a total knee replacement in the future).

As the arthroscopic surgery causes minimal trauma to the knee, the patient is usually released from the hospital on the day of the operation. It is recommended the patient returns immediately to his feet and begins to walk on the operated leg, without any assistance.

Physiotherapy is a crucial part of rehabilitation of the leg in the weeks following the procedure and full recovery and a return to an active sports regime is expected usually within 3 months.

Meniscus Tear Surgery Abroad

Once your torn meniscus condition is affecting your daily routine, it is recommended you undergo surgery as soon as possible in order to get back to normal. TicketMed will be happy to assist you in receiving all the information you will need and scheduling surgery at the best orthopedic surgeons around the globe. Contact us or ask for a quote.