{"id":478,"date":"2016-12-02T20:20:32","date_gmt":"2016-12-02T20:20:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/bascharon.dev\/?p=478"},"modified":"2016-12-02T20:20:32","modified_gmt":"2016-12-02T20:20:32","slug":"meniscal-tears","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vegasortho.com\/meniscal-tears\/","title":{"rendered":"Meniscal Tears"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"blog-meniscal-tears\"<\/p>\n

A meniscus is a tough, rubbery, wedge-shaped piece of cartilage that helps to cushion the knee and keep it stable. The meniscii are located in the knee joint, where the thighbone and shinbone meet. While anyone of any age can tear a meniscus, athletes are particularly susceptible, particularly those who play contact sports. There are different types of meniscal tears, and treatment will largely depend on the severity and type of tear.<\/p>\n

Causes and Symptoms<\/h2>\n

The meniscus can degenerate over time, growing weaker and wearing thin. This makes the cartilage more likely to tear. In this case, an awkward twist of the knee can sometimes be all it takes to tear a meniscus.<\/p>\n

The meniscus can also tear suddenly, even with no degeneration present. This type of tear usually occurs during athletic activity, either by twisting the knee, or as a result of direct contact.<\/p>\n

Most people are still able to walk after a meniscal tear, but usually feel pain, followed by stiffness and swelling over the next few days. Some people also feel a “popping” sensation when the meniscus tears, or feel like the knee is giving out from under them. Other possible symptoms include a feeling of catching or locking in the knee, and an inability to move the knee through its full range of motion.<\/p>\n

The McMurray test is often used to help diagnose a meniscal tear. During this test, the doctor bends the knee, then straightens and rotates it, putting tension on the meniscus. If the meniscus is torn, the movement will result in a clicking sound every time the doctor performs the test.<\/p>\n

Treatment and Recovery<\/h2>\n

It is very important to get treatment for a torn meniscus, as a piece of the cartilage could loosen and drift into the joint. This could result in slipping, popping, or locking in the knee.<\/p>\n

Depending on the location and severity of the tear, there are both nonsurgical and surgical treatment options. The outer third of the meniscus is often called the “red zone” because it has a rich blood supply. Sometimes, tears in this area heal on their own. The inner two-thirds of the meniscus are known as the “white zone” because this area lacks a blood supply. Tears in this area cannot heal on their own, and are usually trimmed away via surgery.<\/p>\n

Nonsurgical Treatment<\/h3>\n

Surgery may not be necessary if the tear is small and located on the outer edge of the meniscus. Nonsurgical treatment methods may be used for these types of tears, as long as the knee maintains its stability, and symptoms do not persist.<\/p>\n

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS), like aspirin and ibuprofen, are often used to help with inflammation and swelling. The RICE<\/strong> method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) is also effective for sports injuries.<\/p>\n