KNEE MENISCAL TEAR

What is a meniscal tear?

Your knee has two menisci. These are crescent-shaped cartilage structures which cushion the space between your femur and tibia. Tearing your meniscus is a common injury related to a twisting movement within the knee or simply because of age related deterioration.

Causes and symptoms of a torn meniscus.

A sudden injury to your meniscus is usually sports related. This will often involve a rotational movement of your knee or from contact forces like tackling. Trauma or an impact can also cause a torn meniscus. But age can also be a factor.

As you age, your meniscal tissue deteriorates, making it less pliable and prone to tearing. Older people may tear their meniscus when accidentally twisting a knee from standing or walking.

If I have torn my meniscus what should I expect to feel?

A popping sound when the meniscus tears. Pain ranging from mild to severe

Joint swelling, stiffness or weakness

Worsening symptoms over time

Your knee giving out when trying to walk.

What should I do?

If you have been referred to the clinic for meniscus tear query, we’ll determine the severity of the injury. Most likely an MRI will be required to assist with a diagnosis. A mild tear may just need medication, ice and rest, while more serious damage may need surgery. However, surgery if required uses a minimally invasive procedure called knee arthroscopy for meniscus repair.

​

What is involved with knee arthroscopy for meniscal damage?

Surgery becomes a requirement for meniscal tears if the injury has mechanical symptoms such as catching and locking. This will only resolve if the offending fragment of meniscus tissue is removed. This is carried out with a technique called arthroscopic surgery.

​

The procedure is performed through two small holes in the knee, each measuring less than a centimetre. A surgical instrument is inserted through one hole and a camera though the other. Images from the camera will be relayed to a video screen to help navigate around the knee anatomy.

Any torn pieces within the knee are removed with the surgical instruments. Future integrity of the knee is helped if as little soft tissue as possible is removed.

​

How long will I spend in hospital?

Knee arthroscopy for a meniscal tear is a day procedure. You will need to arrange a family member or friend to bring you home. Discharge will be 2 to 3 hours post operatively.

​

Recovery

A rehabilitation programme is central to optimise a good surgical outcome for a meniscal tear. The initial steps to full recovery are to reduce swelling and regain full motion of the knee.

Crutches are generally used for a few days and most patients are walking normally by one to two weeks following surgery. Strengthening is an important part of the rehabilitation process and return to sports is generally possible by three months.