What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Knee Cartilage Tear
• Knee Injury - Meniscus
• Meniscal Tear of Knee 

What is Torn Meniscus? (Definition/Background Information)

• A Torn Meniscus is one of the most common injuries to the knee. It occurs when the cartilage that provides a cushion between the thighbone (femur) and shinbone (tibia) tears
• This injury is usually caused by any athletic sport, such as basketball, football, or track and field events, that may cause the knee to twist forcefully or rotate
• Middle-aged men, who participate in athletic sports and activities, are more likely to sustain a Torn Meniscus
• Treatment for a Torn Meniscus depends on the type of tear, the size, and the location of the injury. However, the prognosis of a Torn Meniscus is usually excellent with suitable treatment 

Who gets Torn Meniscus? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Men between the ages of 31-40 years are more likely to sustain a Torn Meniscus than younger men. However, females are more likely to tear their meniscus between the ages of 11 and 20 years
• Older individuals are more likely to have degenerative Meniscal Tears
• A Torn Meniscus is two and a half times more common in males than females
• The condition is race and ethnicity non-specific 

What are the Risk Factors for Torn Meniscus? (Predisposing Factors)

Common risk factors for a Torn Meniscus include:

• Older adults
• Participation in any sports that requires a violent change of directions, such as football, basketball, or cricket
• Men are more likely to sustain a Torn Meniscus than females 

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider. 

What are the Causes of Torn Meniscus? (Etiology)

Common causes for a Torn Meniscus include:

• Participation in any sports that may cause the knee to twist forcefully or rotate
• Squatting or lifting of heavy objects
• Muscle imbalance
• Muscle weaknesses 

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Torn Meniscus?

Signs and symptoms of a Torn Meniscus include:

• A noticeable ‘popping’ sensation at the time of the injury
• Swelling or stiffness of the knee joint
• Pain in the knee joint when walking, inability to apply weight to the knee
• Tenderness of the knee joint when light pressure is applied
• Difficulty kneeling or straightening the knee 

How is Torn Meniscus Diagnosed?

A Torn Meniscus is diagnosed using the following methods:

• Physical examination: The physician may perform a thorough physical examination of the knee. The physician may manipulate the knee and leg bones into different positions to help locate the cause of the signs and symptoms. Individuals are also expected to provide an explanation of the circumstances that caused the injury. In addition to this, a complete medical history can aid in arriving at a definitive diagnosis
• X-ray of the knee: Although meniscus tears do not show up on x-rays, they can help rule out other causes of a knee injury and help confirm the diagnosis
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee: An MRI is a more detailed scan that uses a magnetic field to produce images, which allows a physician to view any damage to the bones and soft tissue, to confirm the diagnosis
• Ultrasound imaging of the knee: High-frequency sound waves are used to generate a more detailed image of the knee. This can help determine if any loose cartilage is caught in the knee 

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis. 

What are the possible Complications of Torn Meniscus?

Complications of a Torn Meniscus include:

• Chronic knee instability
• Inability to move the knee
• Prolonged and chronic pain
• Degenerative joint disease, such as osteoarthritis 

How is Torn Meniscus Treated?

Both nonsurgical and surgical methods may be used to treat a Torn Meniscus. However, the treatment depends on the type of tear, the size, and the location of the injury. 

Nonsurgical treatment measures for Torn Meniscus may include: 

The RICE method is effective for a high percentage of sports-related injuries. RICE is an acronym for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. 

• Rest: Any activity that aggravates the knee condition should be avoided. The physician usually advises individuals to refrain from activities, until the symptoms improve
• Ice: Applying ice to the knee may help decrease pain and reduce swelling
• Compression: Wearing an elastic compression bandage can help stop additional swelling and loss of blood
• Elevation: Elevating the knee helps to decrease swelling
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can help in decreasing the pain in the knee
• Corticosteroid injections help provide temporary relief of symptoms and in improving the range of motion. It is important to note that corticosteroid injections only give temporary relief. Prolonged episodes of such injections may injure the joints in the long run
• Physical therapy may help restore strength, as well as flexibility in the muscles
• Taping the kneecap or wearing a specialized brace during sports participation can provide support for the knee
• Shoe orthotics may also be prescribed to help relieve pain 

Surgical treatment measures for Torn Meniscus may include: 

• Knee arthroscopy: Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that is used to visualize, diagnose, and repair the knee joint using small instruments. During this procedure, a surgeon inserts a thin tube attached to a camera (a fibro-optic camera) into the joint, via a small incision on the skin of the joint. Visualizing the joint via a camera helps the healthcare provider arrive at a cause of the injury 
• Meniscectomy: Meniscectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of all parts of the meniscus, in the knee 
• Meniscus repair: Meniscus repair is a minimally invasive surgical technique that uses suturing (stitching) to repair the Torn Meniscus 

How can Torn Meniscus be Prevented?

To prevent a Torn Meniscus, individuals should be careful and consciously aware while performing any physical activities, such as sports, or even some normal daily activities that could lead to situations involving accidents. Any possible dangers should also be anticipated and appropriate safety measures adopted. 

• Regularly perform exercises that strengthen the leg muscles
• Individuals who participate in sports, such as basketball, cricket, or football, should wear appropriate safety equipment to provide support for the knee (such as taping, protective strapping, or elastic compression bandages)
• Warming-up prior to exercising
• Use proper technique when exercising
• Use proper athletic gear designed for the specific activity, such as appropriate shoes, knee pads, etc. 

What is the Prognosis of Torn Meniscus? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• A high percentage of Torn Meniscus injuries heal without any serious complications
• The recovery time for a meniscus repair is approximately three months. However, individuals who have a meniscectomy procedure require about 3-4 weeks to heal
• A Torn Meniscus is a very common injury. When properly diagnosed and treated, individuals usually regain full strength and range of motion in their injured knee 

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Torn Meniscus:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

https://www.dovemed.com/health-topics/orthopedc-disorders/