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October 10, 2008  
EDUCATION CENTER: Knee Conditions
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    Meniscus Injury

    Description

    Reviewed by Dr. Jack Farr

    A meniscus is one of two half-moon shaped discs of specialized cartilage lying between the femur and tibia with more secure attachment to the tibia. The two menisci (lateral, or outside, and medial, or inside), serve several functions. These functions include: adding in joint lubrication, articular cartilage nutrition, stability and distribution of forces between the femur and tibia. The meniscus may be injured when the knee is bent or twisted while bearing weight. Meniscal injury or degeneration can also be a result of overuse over time. For example, repetitive squatting or kneeling can cause meniscal wear and make it more likely to tear. Meniscal tears often accompany tears of the ligaments within the knee, most frequently the Anterior Cruciate Ligament.

    Symptoms

    • Pain
    • Knee seems to "catch," lock, or seems to give way
    • Swelling
    • Inability to squat or bounce up and down while standing

    Cause and Risk Factors

    Causes
    • Injury
    • Overuse
    • Degeneration with Aging

    Risk Factors

    • Occupation that stresses joints (carpenter, plumber, construction worker)
    • Pivoting sports like basketball, skiing, football, and soccer
    • Aging

    Treatment

    Immediate Action
    • Call your doctor.
    • Apply ice as soon as possible.
    • RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation, is the best thing for most initial knee injuries.
    • Take an anti-inflammatory painkiller such as ibuprofen as directed if needed.

    See Your Doctor If:
    • Symptoms persist or worsens over time.
    • Your knee "catches" or swells often
    • You believe you may have a meniscus injury
    • Your knee seems to give way or you feel that it can't be "trusted" to bear the weight it used to.

    Procedures
    Arthroscopy may be used to assess the extent of the damage and repair the injured meniscus when possible. When repair is not possible the torn portion of the meniscus is removed—thus the term "partial meniscectomy." Unfortunately, many knees that lose meniscal function will be at risk for developing degenerative changes over time. If symptoms occur after loss of meniscus then there are options of restoring meniscal function through meniscal transplantation or possibly scaffolding techniques.

    Prevention

    Maintain a healthy weight and remember to check with your doctor before beginning any sport or exercise routine.

    Last updated: 26-Oct-01

    		   
     
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