ValleyOrtho’s physicians treat a wide range of common
knee injuries, including meniscal injuries.
The meniscus cartilage in the knee includes 2 pieces: a medial (inside)
meniscus and a lateral (outside) meniscus, which are referred together
as menisci. The menisci are wedge shaped, and are thinner toward the center
of the knee and thicker toward the outside of the knee joint. This shape
is very important to its function.
The primary function of the menisci is to increase the weight bearing surface
and distribute weight evenly across the knee joint. A relatively round
femur (upper leg/thigh bone) sitting on a relatively flat tibia (shin
bone) forms the knee joint. The wedge shaped menisci increase the joint
contact surface area and provide shock absorption, lubrication and joint
stability to the knee.
Meniscus Tear Symptoms
A torn meniscus can cause significant discomfort and limit your ability
to perform daily activities. Understanding the common symptoms can help
you identify a potential injury and seek appropriate medical attention.
Here are some of the most common symptoms of a torn meniscus:
Pain: Pain is often felt along the side of the knee, particularly when bending,
squatting, or twisting.
Swelling: Swelling around the knee joint is another common symptom, especially if
there is bleeding within the joint.
Locking or catching: The knee may feel like it is locking or catching, making it difficult
to straighten or bend. This is often caused by a piece of torn meniscus
becoming lodged within the joint.
Clicking or popping: You may hear or feel a clicking or popping sensation in the knee, especially
when moving the joint.
Restricted range of motion: A torn meniscus can limit your ability to fully bend or straighten your knee.
If left untreated, a torn meniscus can lead to knee arthritis. The damaged
cartilage can cause increased friction and inflammation within the joint,
leading to degeneration of the joint surfaces.
It's important to note that these symptoms can vary in severity and may
not always be indicative of a torn meniscus. Other conditions, such as
ligament sprains or arthritis, can also cause similar symptoms.
How to Diagnose a Torn Meniscus
Meniscus tears can be diagnosed by taking a detailed history and completing
a physical examination. An MRI may be used to assist in making the diagnosis
since the MRI can show a detailed image of the menisci.
Acute Traumatic Tears — These occur most frequently in athletes as a result of a twisting
injury to the knee when the foot is in contact with the ground during
a cutting or pivoting motion.
Degenerative Meniscal Tears — These occur most commonly in middle-aged to older adults and take
place when repetitive stresses severely weaken the meniscal tissue over
a long period of time. Degenerative meniscal tears are often associated
with arthritis (degenerative joint disease). A torn fragment of the meniscus
must be removed surgically if the degenerative meniscal tear is causing
catching or locking in the knee.
Torn Meniscus Treatment
The treatment will depend on the location of the tear, the size of the
tear, overall knee stability, the patient’s age and any other associated injuries.
Rehabilitation without surgery
Surgery to remove the area of torn meniscus
Surgery to repair (stitch together) the torn meniscus
In deciding to repair or remove a damaged piece of meniscus the location
of the tear is important. The outer portion of the meniscus has a good
blood supply whereas the inner portion has poor blood supply. Areas with
good blood supply are much more likely to heal when repaired than areas
with poor blood supply. The majority of meniscus injuries respond to a
nonsurgical approach, but if symptoms worsen, surgery might be a solution
to consider. ValleyOrtho is committed to developing specifically tailored
treatment plans to help get patients back to an active lifestyle.
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