Meniscus Tears

A meniscus tear is a common knee injury that can occur during activities that involve twisting, pivoting, or heavy lifting. Athletes, particularly those in contact sports or activities that place stress on the knees, are at greater risk of developing this injury.

What Is a Meniscus Tear?

The meniscus is a shock-absorbing cartilage that provides stability and support to the knee. There are two menisci in each knee – one on the inside of the knee (medial) and the other on the outside (lateral).

A meniscus tear usually happens due to sudden twisting or rotation of the knee, particularly during sports activities. A torn meniscus can range from a small, minor tear to a larger, complex tear that significantly impacts knee function.

Types of Meniscus Tears

Partial Meniscus Tear: A small tear, caused by sudden knee twists or overextension, that often heals with rest and non-surgical treatment.
Complex Meniscus Tear: Multiple tears in different directions, usually from high-impact sports, which may require surgery.
Degenerative Meniscus Tear: A tear that occurs due to wear and tear, often seen in older individuals due to weakened cartilage.
Discoid Meniscus: A congenital condition where the meniscus is abnormally shaped, making it prone to tearing during routine movement.

What Are the Symptoms of a Meniscus Tear?

A torn meniscus can cause a range of symptoms, and these can vary depending on the severity of the tear:

Pain in the Knee: Especially when twisting or rotating the knee.
Swelling: Usually appears within two to three days of the injury.
Stiffness: Difficulty in straightening or bending the knee fully.
Locking: The knee may get stuck or locked in a certain position.
Instability: Feeling like the knee is giving way when putting weight on it.

If these symptoms persist, it is important to consult a specialist, as untreated meniscus tears can lead to long-term knee damage.

How Is a Meniscus Tear Diagnosed?

Diagnosis often begins with a physical examination to check for discomfort, tenderness, and range of motion of the knee joint. Your doctor may then order additional diagnostic tests such as:

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): An MRI provides detailed images of soft tissues and can show the extent of the meniscus tear.
X-rays: While X-rays do not show the meniscus itself, they can help rule out other issues like fractures or osteoarthritis.
Arthroscopy: In some cases, an arthroscopic examination may be used to view the knee joint directly and confirm the diagnosis.

How Are Meniscus Tears Treated?

Treatment options depend on the type, size, and location of the tear, as well as the patient's age, activity level, and overall knee condition.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE)
To reduce swelling for minor tears, rest the knee, apply ice or cold pack, use an elastic compression bandage, and, when lying down during rest, elevate the knee above the heart.
Pain Relief Medications
Painkillers or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be recommended to reduce pain and swelling.
Corticosteroid Injections
Corticosteroids may be injected into the knee to reduce swelling and discomfort; sometimes, this provides long-lasting relief.
Physiotherapy
Exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee can help alleviate symptoms and support recovery.

If non-surgical treatments are unsuccessful or the tear is severe, surgical intervention may be necessary.

Meniscus Surgery in Singapore

Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to treat meniscus tears. A small camera (arthroscope) is inserted through a tiny incision in the knee, allowing the orthopaedic doctor to see inside the joint. Surgical instruments are then introduced through other small incisions to either trim or repair the damaged meniscus.

Partial Meniscectomy

In a partial meniscectomy, the surgeon uses arthroscopy to remove only the torn portion of the meniscus, preserving the healthy tissue. This approach alleviates pain and prevents further knee damage. Patients typically experience a quicker recovery and can often bear weight on the knee shortly after surgery, with a full range of motion returning in a few weeks.

Meniscal Repair

Meniscal repair involves using arthroscopy to stitch the torn meniscus back together. Sutures are placed to allow the meniscus to heal naturally. This option is suitable for certain types of tears, depending on their location and severity. Recovery from a meniscal repair takes longer than a meniscectomy, as the tissue needs more time to heal. However, it offers the benefit of preserving more of the meniscus for long-term knee function.

Meniscal Transplant

A meniscal transplant is a more complex procedure that involves replacing the damaged or missing meniscus with donor cartilage. After evaluating the knee’s structure and size, a matching donor meniscus is implanted via arthroscopy. The transplant is carefully secured in place using sutures or surgical anchors. This procedure helps restore cushioning and stability to the joint and is often considered for younger patients or athletes looking to return to high-impact activities.

How Long Does It Take to Recover After Meniscus Surgery?

Recovery time depends on the severity of the injury and treatment method:

Partial Meniscectomy: Full recovery and knee function typically return within 3-6 weeks.
Meniscal Repair: Most knee function returns in 2-3 months while full recovery can take up to six months.
Meniscal Transplant: Daily activities typically resume in 2-3 months, while returning to sports can take 6 months to a year.

It is important to follow your doctor's recovery plan closely to avoid complications or further injury.

Take the first step towards lasting relief for your knees. If you suspect a meniscus tear, schedule your consultation with Dr Seng today at 9711 8888 for a thorough diagnosis and to discuss your treatment options.