What to Do If Your Meniscus Is Damaged?

1. What Is the Meniscus?

The meniscus is a crescent-shaped cartilage located within the knee joint. There are two menisci: the medial (inner) and lateral (outer), which sit on the inner and outer articular surfaces of the tibial plateau. They deepen the joint socket of the tibia, enhancing knee stability and allowing the joint surfaces of the femur and tibia to fit better.

When the knee is partially flexed and rotated, the meniscus can become trapped between the femoral condyle and the tibial plateau, subjecting it to acute grinding or twisting forces, which may result in a tear. Since the inner border of the meniscus lacks blood supply, injuries in this area often struggle to heal.

2. What Are the Symptoms of a Meniscus Injury?

Pain: The most common symptom, typically located in the joint line where the meniscus resides.

Swelling: Most patients experience mild joint swelling.

Clicking Sounds: Some may hear a distinct clicking sound when moving the knee, though this is less common.

Locking: The knee may suddenly get "stuck" during movement, making it immobile; this is also relatively rare.

Quadriceps Atrophy: Reduced knee activity due to pain can lead to disuse atrophy of the quadriceps muscles.

3. What Tests Are Needed If a Meniscus Injury Is Suspected?

The most common diagnostic tool is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which provides clear imaging of the meniscus and other soft tissues.

4. What Should Be Done If the Meniscus Is Damaged?

Treatment for a meniscus injury falls into two main categories: conservative treatment and surgical treatment.

Conservative Treatment: Best suited for smaller tears, stable edges, mild symptoms, or degenerative wear commonly seen in older adults. Methods include rest, immobilization, acupuncture and massage, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation exercises.

Surgical Treatment: Recommended for severe meniscus injuries with significant swelling, pain, and impaired joint function. Surgery often involves arthroscopy to perform meniscal resection, repair, or suturing.

By understanding the nature and severity of a meniscus injury, appropriate treatment can be pursued to protect knee function and ensure optimal recovery.