Meniscus Tear

Meniscus are crescent shaped structures between the bones which are the natural shock absorbers in the knee region. The understanding of this structure which was once thought to be vestigeal has vasty changed and is now considered vital in protecting the knee cartilage and preventing arthritis. Meniscus can be injured right from childhood to elderly, the reason for tear, location of tear, type of tears may lead to decisions on  how it can be cured. It involves the following means :

• Rest with Walking Aid
• Intra-articular Injections
• Arthroscopic Meniscectomy
• Arthroscopic Meniscus Repair
• Arthroscopic Meniscus Root Repair
• Arthroscopic Meniscus Saucerisation
• MATS
• Augmented Open Alignment Correction Osteotomy

Meniscal Injury:

The menisci are two pads of the fibro cartilage on either side of the knee that acts as cushions or shock absorbers. They also help distribute the weight load inside the knee. Most tears of the meniscus result from a sudden twisting movement of the knee, as in sports injuries. As the knee bends and twists, the meniscus may be pinched between the bones. This is often accompanied by a “popping sensation,” and the knee is likely to swell a few hours after injury. Sometimes, the menisci may become damaged or torn, due to aging.

Treatment:

All types of meniscal tear can be treated by arthroscopy. The treatment involves either trimming away the torn piece of the meniscus with miniature motorized instruments or repair of the meniscus when indicated.

Authored By : DR. DAVID V RAJAN