Patients will be required to rest and elevate their joint for several days following arthroscopy. Ice packs will also be applied to reduce swelling and pain. An exercise program that strengthens the muscles around the joint and prevents contracture of the surrounding soft tissues is initiated gradually after surgery.
It is important to quickly and safely recover stability, range and strength of the joint, as well as prevent the formation of scar tissue. This program is essential for a successful outcome.
The knee allows the leg (femur, thighbone) to bend at the joint between the tibia and tibia. The knee can flex and extend, which allows the body to do many activities such as running and walking, climbing, and squatting. A variety of structures surround the knee, allowing it to bend and protecting the knee joint against injury.
Meniskus OP refers to damage to the cartilage. It is located on top of your tibia and allows your femur to move when the knee joint moves. Tears can be described by the location of the tear in the C-shaped and their appearance. While physical examination may not determine if it is the medial or lateral Meniscus, a diagnostic procedure such as an MRI, or arthroscopic surgery can pinpoint the exact area of cartilage anatomy that has been damaged and the appearance.
Knowing the location of the tear may help determine how quickly an injury can heal. The greater the chance of recovery, the better the blood supply. The blood supply to cartilage’s outside rim is better than that of the “C” in the center. As we age, our normal blood supply decreases to knee cartilage. In fact, up to 20% of our normal blood supply has been lost by the age of 40.
What causes a meniscus tear?
An abrupt stop or forceful twist can cause the end of the femur to smash into the top of your tibia. This could pinch and possibly tear the meniscus cartilage. This knee injury may also be caused by deep squatting and kneeling, particularly when lifting heavyweights. Meniscus tears are common in contact sports such as football and hockey.
Meniscus damage can also be caused by sudden stops and pivoting in sports such as tennis, basketball, or golf. It doesn’t have to happen during a match, but it can also happen in practice where the same motions can cause meniscus damage.
As cartilage starts to wear down, the risk of developing a tear in the meniscus increases as we age. This is because it loses its blood supply and resilience. The stress placed on the meniscus by an increasing body weight is another factor. Walking and climbing stairs are common daily activities that can lead to wear, degeneration and tearing. Six out of ten patients over 65 years old have a degenerative Meniscus tear. These tears can cause no problems, but they could be very dangerous.
What are the symptoms and signs of a torn Meniscus?
Meniscal tears rarely cause any symptoms. Some people who have torn their meniscus can pinpoint the exact moment they feel pain in their knees. Acute onset of pain may occur and patients may feel or hear a popping in their knees. There is an inflammation response as with any injury. This includes pain, swelling, and other.
It takes several hours for swelling to form in the knee joint due to a torn Meniscus. Depending on the level of fluid accumulation and pain, it may be difficult to move the knee. Fluid accumulation in the knee joint can make it difficult to straighten or extend the knee fully. The knee is at its most flexible when it is approximately 15 degrees.
How do doctors diagnose a meniscus tear?
A history and physical examination test are essential in diagnosing a knee injury. To help determine the extent of the injury and the stress it caused, the doctor will conduct a history and physical examination. Chronic knee problems can make it difficult to remember the exact date and time of an injury. However, many athletes or patients who have participated in training or athletic events can recall the details.
For non-athletes, they may recall a twist or deep turn at work or while doing chores around their house.
The physical examination of the knee is an art form. The doctor, trainer, and physical therapist can often diagnose a torn or damaged meniscus by looking, feeling, and sometimes applying diagnostic manoeuvres.
Plain Xrays can’t be used to diagnose meniscal tears, but they may be useful in identifying bony changes such as fractures, arthritis and loose bony fragments. For older patients, Xrays can be taken while the patient stands. This allows for the comparison of the joint spaces in order to determine the extent of cartilage wear.
