Meniscus Tear Treatment

It is a tear of the cartilage tissue on the inside or outside of the knee. meniscus tear It occurs as a result of sports activities or sudden turning movements on the knee. This condition may cause pain, swelling, feeling of tightness and limitation of movement in the knee. Treatment may usually include rest, physical therapy, and surgery if necessary.

Meniscus Tear Symptoms

The tear usually causes pain that is localized to the inner or outer part of the knee. Pain usually increases with movement. It may cause swelling on the inside or outside of the knee. This swelling is caused by fluid accumulation in the area where the tear is located. The tear can prevent normal movements of the knee. In some cases, it may cause a locking or stuck feeling in the knee. It can cause a locking sensation in the knee, especially if the knee is fixed in a certain position. Due to the tear, tightness or stiffness may be felt in the knee, especially during bending or extension movements. These symptoms are meniscus tear In this case, it may not be seen or may have different severity. If in doubt, it is recommended to consult a doctor. Diagnosis is made through physical examination, imaging tests (for example, MRI), and other tests if necessary.

Meniscus Tear Risk Factors

With age, the elasticity of meniscus tissue decreases and it becomes more fragile. Therefore, the risk increases in older individuals. Some studies show that men are more prone to it than women, but this is not fully understood. Sports that require repetitive pressure, rotation, and straining movements on the knee may increase the risk. Especially sports such as football, basketball, tennis and skiing may increase the risk. In some people, the structural features of the knee joint may cause more strain on the meniscus. This may increase the risk.

For example, having the legs bent or the knees pointing inward can put extra pressure on the meniscus. Previous injury and surgical intervention in the knee cause the tissue to weaken. This may cause an increase in risk. Overload or excessive activity on the knees can strain the meniscus and increase the risk of tearing. Each of these factors individually or together meniscus tear may increase the risk. However, even if everyone has these factors, the likelihood of experiencing the condition may vary.

Meniscus Tear Treatment Methods

For small or moderate tears, conservative methods are used to relieve symptoms. These methods include rest, ice application, anti-inflammatory medication, and physical therapy. Meniscuspectomy is the surgical removal of a specific portion of the tear. This procedure is usually performed to remove the parts at the edge of the tear that have no healing potential. However, the risk of further cartilage wear in the knee may increase after this procedure. Meniscus repair is the repair of the meniscus by placing stitches in place of the tear. This method is especially preferred in young and active patients. Because it helps preserve the original tissue and ensure the stability of the knee.

In cases where the tear is severe and other treatment options are ineffective, transplantation of a donor meniscus may be considered. However, this is a rarely used treatment option. In some cases, doctors may recommend biological treatment options such as platelet-rich plasma injections. It involves injecting a platelet-rich serum obtained by processing blood taken from the body. This can speed up the healing process. Treatment options may vary depending on the patient's specific condition and the doctor's recommendations. meniscus tear In this case, it is important to consult a specialist orthopedic surgeon for treatment.