Description A common injury tha...
Description
A common injury that usually occurs with twisting the knee. The meniscus serves as cushion between the femur and tibia. It helps distribute the weight evenly across the joint. There are two menisci, one on the inner side of the knee (medial) and the other on the outer side (lateral). A torn meniscus can prevent the knee from bending normally causing it to lock.
Symptoms
Joint pain, locking of the joint, recurrent knee-catching, knee swelling.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. X-rays can identify associated fractures. Only an MRI can identify soft tissue injuries such as a meniscus tear. The injury can also be identified during arthroscopic surgery.
Tests:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Other Specific Tests: Arthroscopic surgery
Do I need this test?
Avoid recommending knee arthroscopy as initial management for patients with degenerative meniscal tears and no mechanical symptoms. Degenerative meniscal tears may respond to non-operative treatments such as exercise to improve muscle strength, endurance and flexibility. Other treatment options include mild analgesics, anti-inflammatory medication, activity modification or corticosteroid injection. If mechanical symptoms such as locking, painful clicking or recurrent swelling are present, or if pain relief is not obtained after a trial of non-operative treatment, arthroscopy may be warranted. If significant osteoarthritis is also present, other surgical options should be considered.
Specialists:
Orthopedic Surgery
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. X-rays can identify associated fractures. Only an MRI can identify soft tissue injuries such as a meniscus tear. The injury can also be identified during arthroscopic surgery.
Tests:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Other Specific Tests: Arthroscopic surgery
Do I need this test?
Avoid recommending knee arthroscopy as initial management for patients with degenerative meniscal tears and no mechanical symptoms. Degenerative meniscal tears may respond to non-operative treatments such as exercise to improve muscle strength, endurance and flexibility. Other treatment options include mild analgesics, anti-inflammatory medication, activity modification or corticosteroid injection. If mechanical symptoms such as locking, painful clicking or recurrent swelling are present, or if pain relief is not obtained after a trial of non-operative treatment, arthroscopy may be warranted. If significant osteoarthritis is also present, other surgical options should be considered.
Specialists:
Orthopedic Surgery
Treatment
Treatment depends on the extent of the injury but may include: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil, naproxen/Naprosyn or Aleve), acetaminophen (Tylenol), immobilization, and/or surgery.