How to Tell Meniscus Tear?

The meniscus are two crescent-shaped structures between the thighs and the tibia. It is tasked to reduce the friction between the two joints. It also acts as a suspension, allowing the body’s load to spread evenly across the knee.

These cartilaginous structures can be worn and tear due to aging and may be damaged by trauma in young patients. It is common in athletes but is not an athlete injury. Even a housewife can cause a meniscus rupture by making an inverse movement, such as turning the knee suddenly. If muscle structure is weak, such injuries are more common.

What are the symptoms when meniscus rupture occurs?

If a rupture has occurred due to trauma, a rupture sound may be heard at the moment of rupture. A feeling of insecurity occurs in the knee. The person is concerned about moving the knee. Locking and hanging happens. On the other hand, the most typical symptom of meniscus tears is pain. Swelling and hardness are among the findings. However, it may be necessary to resort to some diagnostic methods in order to understand the meniscus rupture.

Diagnosis of meniscus

When you consult a doctor with suspected rupture, your doctor listens to your complaints and story. It makes the diagnosis with physical examination, but MRI is the gold standard for definitive diagnosis.

How is the meniscus treated?

Not every meniscus tears are operated. Non-surgical treatment is also possible. The degree of rupture, location, cause of rupture and age of the patient are important. Elderly patients have tears due to wear and calcification. These patients are generally treated with non-surgical treatment methods. Exercises that strengthen the circumference of the knee, physical therapy support, knee brace, PRP, non-surgical treatment methods such as prolotherapy are available. For more information on PRP, please read our PRP treatment article and for more information on prolotherapy.

If a post-traumatic tear has occurred and the torn red zone is the site of blood, we may not be able to resort to surgery again. If surgery is required, the meniscus is usually sutured. However, if there is a rupture in the region where there is no blood supply we call the white zone, that section should be removed. Today, arthroscopic method is used in the operation of meniscus tears. You can read our article about knee arthroscopy to learn more about this technique which has closed surgery method and has many advantages over open surgery.