ADAM Health Encyclopedia

Meniscus tears

Definition

Meniscus tears refer to a tear in the shock-absorbing cartilage (meniscus) of the knee.

Alternative Names

Tear - meniscus; Knee injury - meniscus; Knee cartilage tear

Considerations

The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage. Cartilage is found in certain joints and forms a buffer between the bones to protect the joint. The meniscus serves as a shock-absorption system, assists in lubricating the joint, and limits the ability to flex and extend the joint.

Causes

Meniscal tears are most commonly caused by twisting or over-flexing the joint.

Symptoms

• A "pop" may be felt at the time of injury
• Joint pain
• Knee pain in the space between the bones; gets worse when gentle pressure is applied to the joint
• Locking of the joint
• Recurrent knee-catching

First Aid

The health care provider will perform the McMurray's test. For this test, you lie on your back while holding the heel of your injured leg with your leg bent. Pressure is placed on the outside of the knee with the doctor hand, and the leg is straightened with the foot turned in (internally rotated). Pain or a click over the inner part the joint means an inner (medial) meniscal tear.

For an Apley's compression test, the health care provider will have you lie on your stomach with your knee bent at a 90 degree angle. The provider will grab your foot with both hands and rotate it to the outside (lateral rotation) while a downward force is applied to the foot. The provider's knee and thigh may be used to stabilize your thigh. Pain in the inner part of the joint may indicate an inner (medial) meniscal tear.

A test for excess joint fluid is positive in meniscal tears, indicating swelling with fluid around the joint.

Other tests that show meniscus tears may include:

• Knee MRI
• Knee joint x-ray

The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms and protect the joint from further injury while it heals.

You should not put your full weight on the knee. You may need to use crutches. A knee immobilizer is often applied to prevent further injury to the joint.

Other treatments include:

• Ice to reduce swelling
• Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce swelling and pain

Physical activity is allowed, as tolerated. Physical therapy is recommended to help regain joint and leg strength.

If the injury is acute or if you have a high activity level, knee arthroscopy (surgery) may be necessary. Age has an effect on treatment. Younger patients are more likely to have problems without surgery.

DO NOT

DO NOT put all your weight on your leg if it is painful.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if symptoms of meniscus tears occur after an injury to the knee.

Call your health care provider if you are being treated for a meniscus tear and you notice increased instability in your knee, if pain or swelling return after they initially subsided, or if your injury does not appear to be resolving with time.

Also call if you reinjure your knee.

Prevention

Use proper technique when exercising or playing sports. Many cases of meniscus tears may not be preventable.