Neuromuscular Center
Meniscus Tear and Treatments
Meniscus tears that do not heal on their own are repaired by methods such as physiotherapy, drug therapy and meniscus surgery within the scope of orthopedic treatments.
The rupture of the meniscus pads, which suspend the load on the cartilage tissue during the movement of the knee joint, is usually a traumatic injury that develops suddenly.
The meniscus, which is responsible for protecting the cartilage tissue, works like shock absorbers that soften the impact of the impact during movement, but this makes the meniscus vulnerable to injuries.
What is Meniscus?
Composed of collagen fibers, the meniscus is softer than cartilage, C-shaped pads that form the knee joint connecting the thigh and calf, and are located between the cartilage tissues on the femur and tibia bones. There are two in each knee, the inner meniscus and the outer meniscus.
What is Meniscus Tear, Why Does It Happen?
The meniscus, which softens the weight on the knee joint and prevents the cartilages from rubbing against each other, can be injured and torn when forced due to repetitive heavy physical activities or trauma.
- Meniscus injury is common among professional athletes and some occupational groups and develops due to trauma, as a result of excessive strain on the knee joint.
- Another common cause of meniscal tear is collagen destruction, which occurs due to aging or rheumatic diseases.
- Accidents where the knee joint is hit hard, falls can cause a meniscus tear.
Meniscus Symptoms
- Knee pain that goes away with rest but increases with movement
- Noise from knees
- Edema in the knee and surrounding tissues
- Restriction of movement in the knees, locking
- Weakness in the knees and legs, difficulty moving
Meniscus Treatment
Treatment of meniscus tear requires different procedures in each case, depending on the degree of the tear and the patient’s complaints.
While mild tears in young individuals can heal with rest and collagen support, in some cases, it is necessary to support drug therapy with physical therapy.
Meniscus tears, which are severely damaged and do not respond positively to physical therapy, are treated with Arthroscopic Meniscus Surgery, which we call closed knee surgery.
What is Arthroscopic Meniscus Surgery and How Is It Done?
The current method in meniscus surgeries is the closed surgical approach, which we call knee arthroscopy. Since the knee cap is not opened in arthroscopic meniscus surgery performed under general or spinal anesthesia, the operation is mild and the recovery process is much easier
The arthroscopic meniscus surgery procedure can be summarized as repairing the tear with the support of endoscopic imaging by entering through minimal incisions on both sides of the knee.
The duration of the operation depends on the condition of the tear and whether there is another problem in the knee joint. Surgery, in which only the meniscus tear is repaired, is completed in as little as 30 minutes and it is possible to leave the hospital in a few hours.
Strengthening the leg muscles with physical therapy and rehabilitation applications after the rest period of meniscus surgery is an important part of the treatment in terms of protecting the knee joint and preventing meniscus tears.