When the knee’s shock-absorber is no longer fully functional
The menisci are two crescent-shaped pads of shock-absorbing cartilage in your knee joint. They lie between your thigh bone (femur) and your shin bone (tibia). You have one meniscus on each side of your knee – the medial meniscus on the inside and the lateral meniscus on the outside. The meniscus stabilizes the joint and is shock-absorbent to protect the cartilage in the joint.
What are the causes of meniscus tears in the knee?
Meniscus tears can be caused by chronic overexertion or accidents. The torn meniscus causes pain and the feeling that the knee is catching or locking. In the long term, the torn meniscus can also damage the cartilage.
How do you diagnose a torn meniscus in the knee?
During the examination we usually note a painful restriction of mobility and a shooting pain in the inner or outer side of the knee depending on the movement. When the torn meniscus is locked, it might not be possible to completely stretch or bend the knee. The ultrasound often shows an increased amount of fluid. The tear itself is clearly visible through an MRI. The fluid often collects in the knee pit and forms a so-called baker cyst.
What is the conservative therapy of a torn meniscus?
Recent meniscus tears, especially on the edges of the meniscus which is well-supplied with blood, might heal themselves, depending on the severity of the tear. However, the meniscus is only well-supplied with blood on its edges so that the removal of the torn part becomes necessary.
For the acute reduction of the pain, we can offer anti-inflammatory measures. The following therapy forms are usually recommended after surgery.
Surgery of a torn meniscus in the knee
Most of the time, a conservative therapy of a torn meniscus is not very successful. The aim of the surgery is to keep the meniscus, as it plays an important part for the stability and has a shock-absorbing function. A camera (arthroscopy) and some instruments can be inserted into the knee through 2 small incisions (1 cm). Depending on the age of the patient, the form of the tear and its place, the tear can be mended. However, if the tear has existed for a long time and the parts are no longer well-supplied with blood, the meniscus will be carefully resectioned.
Dr. Eva Wörenkämper carries out such surgery on-site in our clinic RKM 740, and you will stay with us as an outpatient or inpatient, depending on the type of surgery.
The post-operative treatment of a torn meniscus in the knee
Depending on the type of surgery you can put weight on your leg straight away or we might ask you to use a crutch for a few days. If we mend the torn meniscus, it could be necessary to limit your knee movements for some time. It is important to start physiotherapy and lymphatic drainage straight away.
The post-operative treatment will happen in our practice or you will see the orthopedic surgeon who referred you to us. The treatment involves regular checks on the wound. The threads can be removed within 12–14 days.
We also offer supporting measures such as cryotherapy, kinesiology taping, acupuncture or osteopathy. Dr. Eva Wörenkämper and her team who are specialists in sports medicine and science, will be very happy to support and guide you regarding the start of your sport activities.
What are the long-term effects of meniscus tears in the knee?
Due to the pain in the joint and a “jamming” of the instable meniscus parts, your mobility is restricted and the cartilage could be damaged. Most of the time, some damage has already occurred and will deteriorate over time. The chronic inflammation also leads to cartilage damage. The increased fluid will collect in the knee pit and as a consequence a so-called baker cyst will form.
What can I do after the operation of torn meniscus or how can I prevent it?
The meniscus has an important stabilizing function of the knee joint. After a partial resection of the meniscus it is very important to stabilize the knee by training your muscles. Quite often the perception is that the joint does not work properly after an operation. This means that the position of the knee and its movement are not correctly passed on to the brain. This can be compensated by the right training through exercises for coordination, balance and stability. Leg-axis malalignments and imbalances of the muscles can also cause an improper strain on the knee and the damage of the meniscus. That’s why it is important to realize and treat these problems as early as possible. We are very happy to support you and set-up a training schedule for you personally.
