Tear Of The Meniscus And Treatment Options

A meniscal tear, also known as torn cartilage, is usually the result of trauma to the knee in elderly patients, a degenerative process is complex because the cartilage has become fragile. Regardless of how it happened the meniscal tear can be quite painful...



The symptoms can be expected to tear this includes: knee pain, knee swelling, limited motion knee joint, a feeling of tenderness or pain when you press the meniscus, and any clicking or popping sound from inside the knee.


The first and most important is to ice the knee immediately. The knee should be immobilized by wrapping it in a magazine or around the knee, wrapping the knee with an ace bandage and the person is able to visit your doctor. Do not wrap your knee too narrow to allow swelling.


The person should go to your family doctor who will assess the patient's knee for a torn meniscus as possible. During the history and physical examination, the doctor will have a better idea of ​​what they are trying. If the physician determines that the patient probably has a tear and not another disease such as arthritis, taking x-rays and MRI can, if warranted.


X-rays show if there is evidence of degenerative changes or arthritis in the knee occurs. MRI allows visualization of the meniscus.


If the tear is seen in the meniscus, surgery is not always the first option. Depending on the severity and number of other factors to determine the best treatment option for meniscal tear. Some factors are: the type and location of the tear, the patient's normal activity level and how the patient reacts in a simple management plans, such as ice and heat applications, immobilize the knee and physiotherapy. Another non-surgical procedure is to use anti-inflammatories, cortisone shots, physical therapy and joint supplements.


If surgery becomes the only option for meniscal tear, arthroscopic surgery is used more often now. Using this procedure requires a small incision in which the camera is placed in the joint. One or two incisions were carried out, so that the surgical instruments to reach and remove the torn cartilage. This is an outpatient procedure, requires less anesthesia and recovery has greatly reduced.


The most common treatment is a surgical procedure called a partial meniscectomy in which the doctor cut off the torn meniscus removed. This procedure has been selected, if the patient has too many signs of discomfort, and prevents their normal lifestyle.


Another surgical option is a meniscus transplant. This transfer to the donor's body from which the cartilage was removed and transferred to the patient. This intervention has become more common in patients who have had their meniscus removed and start to develop pain in the joints of the knee joints rubbing against each other without the cushion of cartilage there. If the patient's age is relatively young, and are very active in sports, meniscus transplantation is a better choice than the knee.


When a patient has a torn meniscus is their prediction for other damage or injury aggravated the joint loses its damping capacity. There is always an increased risk of developing arthritis tear.


Patients can make changes that will help prevent the risk of developing arthritis by losing weight if it is a problem, using gentle exercises to avoid injury to the joint and to refrain from any kind of sports activities that strain the knee by twisting and turning maneuvers quickly.


Doctors have many treatment options currently available for the repair of meniscal lesions. This is a great advantage of the recovery.


Meniscal tear can occur from simple things like walking or squatting playing a physical sport. Meniscal tear Chattanooga doctor may perform tests, if the pain comes from torn cartilage. If you suspect you have torn meniscus, the meniscus Chattanooga consult a doctor today.