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A meniscus tear is a rupture of the cartilage within the knee joint. The meniscus is the most commonly injured structure in the knee and usually occurs following a traumatic injury or degenerative changes within the joint.
There are two menisci located in the knee, one medial and one lateral of the joint. Both are formed from fibrocartilaginous c-shaped structures and serve to provide mechanical support and stabilisation for the knee. The meniscus aids in lubricating the joint and provides shock absorption during walking and running.
The meniscus is the most commonly injured structure in the knee and usually occurs following a traumatic injury or degenerative changes within the joint. Traumatic tears can occur to any active individual aged 10-40 during a rotational movement of the leg whilst the knee is flexed. Degenerative tears are most common in individuals aged 40 and over, and occur with osteoarthritic changes of the knee joint where less force is required to produce a tear. Meniscus tears are grouped according to their type; with longitudinal, bucket handle and flap tears being amongst the most common.
Swelling of the knee joint usually develops over a number of hours following the injury. Knee locking can also occur which gives significant pain and the inability to move the knee for a couple of seconds. Turning and twisting movements and weight bearing on the knee will all greatly aggravate the symptoms.
Our practitioners will take a detailed case history to identify whether a meniscus tear is likely, followed by a thorough physical examination using appropriate orthopaedic tests to confirm the presence of a meniscal tear. A referral for an MRI scan may be helpful in determining the type and extent of tear, although this is not necessary for every patient. Doctors can do ultrasound examination for diagnosis.
There are a number of meniscus tears that can be treated conservatively. Treatment provided by one of our qualified physios, osteopaths or chiropractors may involve gentle mobilisation techniques, soft tissue massage, stretching and muscle energy techniques to muscles surrounding the injured knee joint. An exercise and strengthening programme may also be given, as well as advice about returning to sport and time to recovery. Depending on the extent of the tear; injection therapy can be used to strengthen and improve shock absorption in the knee.
Occasionally meniscus tears may require surgical repair to remove a part of or repair the torn tissue. This would be carried out by an orthopaedic surgeon external to the Blackberry clinic, usually following a GP referral.
Following surgery the manual therapists at Blackberry can provide hands on treatment, advice on training techniques and a gait analysis to prevent recurrent meniscus tears.
Traumatic tear:
Occasionally meniscus tears may require surgical repair to remove a part of or repair the torn tissue. This would be carried out by an orthopaedic surgeon external to the Blackberry clinic, and our doctors can refer you to a reputable surgeon.
Degenerative tear:
For degenerative meniscus tears we offer various injection treatments (see below) Stubborn or severe cases may be appropriate for surgical referral but recent studies have shown that arthroscopy is not of superior benefit to conservative treatment for these types of tears.
Following surgery, the manual therapists at Blackberry can provide hands on treatment, advice on training techniques and a gait analysis to prevent recurrent meniscus tears.
Treatments include mobilisation, massage, stretching and exercises for mobility and strengthening. Our practitioners can guide you in your rehab and return to full fitness.
For degenerative meniscus tears our doctors do PRP, steroid, prolotherapy and hyaluronic acid injections.
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