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Meniscus Tear

Meniscus Tear

The meniscus is a crescent-shaped cartilage in the knee joint that acts as a shock absorber, stabilizing the knee and facilitating smooth movement. Meniscus injuries are among the most common knee injuries and can occur due to trauma or degenerative changes. Proper diagnosis and classification of meniscus tears are crucial for determining the best course of treatment

Why Meniscus Meniscus is important ?
  • Shock Absorption: Distributes weight and reduces stress on the knee joint.
  • Stability: Supports proper knee alignment and prevents excessive movement.
  • Lubrication: Enhances joint health by facilitating smooth motion.
    • Causes of Meniscus Tears
    • Traumatic Injuries: Common in athletes and active individuals due to twisting, pivoting, or sudden stops.
    • Degenerative Tears: Result from aging and wear-and-tear, often associated with osteoarthritis.
    • Repetitive Stress: Activities that place repeated stress on the knee can lead to overuse injuries.
    Types of Meniscus Tears (Based on Morphology)
    • Radial Tear: Extends from the inner edge outward.
    • Horizontal Tear: Splits the meniscus into top and bottom layers.
    • Longitudinal Tear: Runs parallel to the meniscus curve.
    • Bucket-Handle Tear: A displaced longitudinal tear where a fragment detaches and moves into the joint.
    • Flap Tear: A loose piece of cartilage creates a flap that can catch in the joint.
    • Complex Tear: Combination of different tear types.
    Grades of Meniscus Tears
    • Meniscus tears are classified based on severity using MRI grading:
      • Grade 1
        • Mild changes within the meniscus.
        • No visible disruption of the meniscal surface.
        • Usually asymptomatic and requires monitoring or conservative treatment.
      • Grade 1
        • Increased signal intensity on MRI but does not reach the surface of the meniscus.
        • May cause mild discomfort, typically managed with non-surgical treatments.
      • Grade 1
        • High signal intensity extending to the meniscus surface, indicating a full-thickness tear.
        • Often symptomatic with pain, swelling, and mechanical symptoms like locking.
        • Surgical intervention may be required in active individuals or if conservative treatments fail.
    Symptoms of Meniscus Injuries
    • Pain, especially during twisting or squatting.
    • Swelling and stiffness.
    • A popping sensation at the time of injury.
    • Locking or catching in the knee.
    • Difficulty straightening the knee completely.
    Diagnosis
    • Physical Examination: Tests like McMurray’s or Apley’s compression test to detect pain and instability.
    • Imaging Tests:
      • MRI: Gold standard for assessing the location, size, and grade of the tear.
      • X-ray: To rule out bone-related injuries.
    Treatment Options
    • Non-Surgical Treatments (Preferred for Grade 1 and 2 Tears)
      • Rest: Avoid activities that exacerbate pain.
      • Ice: Reduce swelling and inflammation.
      • Physical Therapy: Strengthen muscles and restore knee function.
      • Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs to manage pain.
    • Surgical Treatments (For Grade 3 Tears or Complex Cases)
      • Meniscectomy: Removal of the damaged portion of the meniscus.
      • Meniscal Repair: Stitching the tear to promote healing, ideal for younger patients or tears in the vascular zone.
      • Meniscal Transplantation: Replacement with a donor meniscus in severe cases where the original meniscus is irreparable.
    Rehabilitation and Recovery
  • Non-Surgical Recovery: Strengthening exercises and gradual return to activity over weeks.
  • Post-Surgical Recovery: Requires physical therapy, with complete recovery taking 3-6 months depending on the procedure.
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    Why to Choose Us
    • Comprehensive Non-Surgical Care: Focus on personalized rehabilitation plans to help most patients recover without surgery.
    • Minimally Invasive Expertise: Advanced arthroscopic techniques for precise diagnosis and repair of complex tears.
    • Affordable and Compassionate Care: Delivering world-class treatment at reasonable costs.
    • Specialized Experience: Over 4,000 surgeries performed by Dr. Gaurav Jain, a knee specialist with extensive expertise in meniscus repair and transplantation.
    • Holistic Approach: Emphasis on prevention, recovery, and long-term joint health.
    Contact Us
    If you are experiencing knee pain or suspect a meniscus injury, let us help you regain your mobility. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Gaurav Jain, a leading expert in knee care