Only the outer 1/3 parts of the menisci, which ensure perfect harmony of the round structure of the lower part of the femur with the flat upper part of the shin bone at every degree of knee movement, are fed with blood, while the remaining parts are fed with joint fluid. Menisci, which have functions such as shock absorption, helping the health of the knee, and protecting the joint cartilage, in addition to adaptation, are put under great strain not only during sports but also during daily life. The outer menisci are more mobile and less exposed to injury than the inner menisci. The inner meniscus is injured 3 times more often than the outer meniscus.

In case of knee injuries, the first steps that should be taken in the early stages are cold application, rest and immobilization. Painkillers are used to relax the patient. In the second stage, it is decided whether the injury requires surgery or not. If the complaints are not caused by a meniscus tear or the general condition of the patient does not allow surgery, surgery may not be appropriate. If a meniscus tear affects your daily activities, surgery should be considered.

Meniscus Tear

There are two meniscus, located on the inner and outer parts of the knee. The one on the inside (medial meniscus) is known as the one on the outside (lateral meniscus). Menisci facilitate the movement of the knees, one of the most mobile joints of the body, and increase the contact surface of the shins and thighs, ensuring a balanced distribution of body weight on the bones. In addition, it absorbs the severe force occurring in the knee area as a result of an impact and ensures that the internal fluid of the knee spreads to the joint cartilages.

Symptoms of Meniscus Tear?

• Knee pain. Pain may not be very severe immediately after a meniscus tear. In fact, people who do sports can continue their sports for a while after a meniscus tear. However, when there is an increase in joint fluid and swelling due to the disorder in the knee, the pain begins to intensify.
• Noises coming from inside the knee.
• Swelling and stiffness formation.
• Locking in the knee or getting stuck at one point.
• Restriction of movement (inability to move the knee fully)
• Treatment Options for Meniscus Tear

Causes of Meniscus Injuries

• Injuries may occur as a result of meniscus tears, sudden stopping, turning, or movements that force the knee to bend or rotate.
• Kneeling, squatting or lifting a heavy object can cause meniscus tears.
• Meniscus injuries may frequently occur in sports that involve sudden movements, such as football, basketball, volleyball and tennis, which require bilateral contact.
• Menisküs yaralanmaları her yaşta görülebilen bir durumdur. Genç yaştaki bireylerde menisküs dokusu sağlam olduğundan dolayı ciddi travmalar sonucu yırtıklar oluşur fakat yaş ilerledikçe dizdeki dejeneratif değişikliklerden dolayı menisküs yırtılmalarına neden olabilir. Oturduğunuz yerden kalkarken hafif bir bükülme bile menisküs yırtıklarına neden olabilir. 65 yaşın üstündeki kişilerde %40’ından çoğunda görülen bir durumdur.
• Meniscus tears caused by loads exceeding the endurance limit are seen mostly at young ages. While traumatic tears are generally seen between the ages of 10-40, meniscus tears that occur due to degeneration over time occur more after the age of 40.

Meniscus Treatment Options

meniscus treatment There are two different methods that can be applied. These;

Meniscus Repair: It is a method that can be used if there is a tear on the outer part of the meniscus. Not all patients are suitable for this method. Arthroscopy is repairable and its results are better than open surgery. However, the recovery process is longer than in patients whose torn menisci have been removed (meniscectomy).

Meniscectomy: This treatment method is a procedure performed to remove the torn part of the meniscus. It is applied to the inner part of the meniscus within a tear before it has a chance to heal. The healing process is very fast when performing arthroscopy and the patient can stand up on the same day.