Medial Meniscus Injury

The knee joint contains two fibrocartilage strips, known as medial and lateral meniscus. The medial meniscus lies inside, between the tibia and the femur. Tibia and femur are the two bones that consist of the knee joint along with the knee cap or the patella. The medial meniscus separates these two bones, so as to prevent friction between the two bones. It is a semicircular or C-shaped cartilage, which helps to absorb shock and distribute weight between the femur and tibia. An injury to this region can cause a lot of knee joint problems and affect its range of motion, besides causing pain and inflammation.

Causes of Medial Meniscus Tear

It is usually associated with repetitive twitching movements and weight-bearing, beyond what the meniscus can withstand. This can normally occur in individuals engaged in sports, especially football, basketball and skiing. However, it can also be caused by trivial movements due to degenerative conditions, where the cartilage wears away with growing age. But more commonly, it occurs when the knee joint is twisted abruptly, while the foot is fixed on the ground. Even gradual wear and tear of the knee joint can cause meniscus injury.

Symptoms of Medial Meniscus Tear

Pain and swelling are the most common signs associated with meniscus injury. However, one can observe a few other symptoms with this type of injury.

• A clicking sound heard at the time of injury
• Knee pain, especially on the inner surface of the knee
• Inflammation and swelling
• Locking of the knee joint
• Inability to bend the knee joint
• Inability to bear weight on the knee

Medial Meniscus Tear Treatment

There are several treatment options, depending on the severity of the injury. Usually, meniscus tear is of four types, longitudinal tears, radial tears, bucket-handle tears and degenerative changes. The longitudinal tear is the tear along the length of the meniscus. When the meniscus is torn from the edge towards the inside, it is called radial tear. Bucket-handle tear on the other hand, is a severe type of longitudinal tear, where a portion of the meniscus gets separated from the tibia.

A minor tear or injury can be usually treated with adequate rest, application of ice, use of compression bandage and elevation. Application of ice can significantly help to reduce the pain and the swelling. The affected individual is generally advised to use knee brace to stabilize the joint. Crutches can also be used, which can help to avoid putting pressure on the injured knee. If the pain and swelling do not subside with the application of ice, then non-steroidal medications can be used, as per the directions given by a physician.

As the condition improves, and the pain and swelling reduces, the individual can start doing certain activities and exercises to regain joint strength. Exercises are an important part of the rehabilitation. Exercises like, knee flexion, knee extension, stretches, calf stretches, leg curl, hip bridges, squat and hamstring hold can help to a great extent in regaining strength and the range of motion. However, be sure to talk to your physician before starting any of the exercises.

Surgery is opted for meniscus injury treatment when all the other treatment options fail to provide relief. This usually happens in the case of a severe injury like, bucket-handle tear and locking of the knee joint. Arthroscopic knee surgery or meniscus tear surgery can prove more beneficial for the younger patients. The older patients with reduced level of activity may not respond well to its treatment. Surgery for this condition basically involves stitching the torn cartilage. Arthroscopic knee surgery is usually followed by rehabilitation program that includes appropriate exercises.

The recovery time can vary from person to person, depending on the severity of the injury and age of the affected individual. With proper care, one can expect to recover within a few weeks (2 to 3 weeks), if the injury is mild. If the tear is moderate, one may require longer recovery time, that can take approximately 4 to 6 weeks. However, surgery can extend the recovery time. With arthroscopic knee surgery, one may require about 6 to 8 weeks to recover fully and resume the normal activities. The recovery time can further extend, if other structures of the knee get injured along with the meniscus. In general, one can get relief from this condition within the shortest possible time, if it is treated as soon as possible. Therefore, all types of knee injuries should be properly evaluated to ensure prompt treatment.