Causes and risk factors
Menisci are tough, rubbery in consistency, which act as shock absorbers of knee joint and stabilise it. The tear is caused due to direct blow to the front of knee e.g. fall on the bent knee. Missing a step while climbing stairs, jerky movements, squatting can cause meniscal tear. Activities involving overstretching of knee joint can cause meniscal tear. Tackle during basketball, football, soccer, and skiing are common causes of meniscal tears. Men are more likely to face this condition. Older individuals are at risk of the tear due to ageing and wear and tear of the cartilage. Various types of tears include longitudinal, transverse, bucket handle, parrot beak, flap, or mixed and complex tears.
Clinical presentation
Early symptoms of meniscal injury include a “popping” sound at the time of injury. There is severe pain, discomfort while walking. There is loss of full range of motion, tenderness along the joint line. Stiffness, swelling, catching or locking of knee joint is experienced. Late symptoms include arthritis, knee joint instability. If left untreated, a piece of meniscus may fall apart and drift into the knee joint.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and Clinical examination by the orthopaedic doctor helps in diagnosis. During clinical exam doctor performs test such as pivot shift test, anterior drawer test and the lachman test. Imaging test which help to confirm diagnosis are X-ray and MRI scan.
Treatment
The treatment depends upon type of tear, age, activity level of the patient. The treatment is non-surgical and surgical. The tear in outer 1/3rd of meniscus needs no treatment. Being rich in blood supply it heals its own. Non surgical treatment involves RICE – i.e. rest, ice application, compression and elevation of the leg. Medicines such as analgesics, NSAIDs is given to prevent further damage. Inner 2/3rd is thin and requires surgical repair. Surgical treatment includes meniscotomy or meniscal repair. Supportive care is given i.e. Rehabilitation is needed in the form of physiotherapy irrespective of the surgery to regain knee strength and motion.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating torn meniscus. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly the ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are also found to be effective in treating torn meniscus.
