Meniscus refers to a cushion like fiberous tissue which is semi-lunar in shape and serve primary function of equalised distribution of force and shock absorption while strenous weight bearing. There are 2 meniscii in each knee and the most common injury to these occours with twisting injury. Typically the leg remains fixed and the upper trunk pivots over. This is commonly associated with other ligamentous injuries also. Most common remains the Anterior Cruciate ligament and the Posterior cruciate ligament.
The chief compliants of the patients are locking sensation accompanied with severe pain on deep fexion. The inability to squat or sit cross-legged can also indicate a meniscal tear.
Cases with osteo-arthritis have a typical degenerative meniscal tear which are grossly symptomatic in a subset of patients. People who have mechanical symptoms of locking and severe pain benefot from a surgical removal of the menicus. Other patients with a diffuse pain all round the day are not benefited wth surgical procedure.
The tears should be dealt with conservatively only when degenerative or asymptomatic. Symptomatic tears causing locking should be surgically excised/repaired.
Meniscal Tears : How to go about it ??
Usually most cases presenting with mechanical symptoms require surgical treatment in the form of meniscectomy or meniscal repair.
Dr. Milind Tanwar provides a crisp insight to the problems related to the meniscus and how to diagnose and treat them.
Illustrative exercises which will help reduce symptoms pre and post surgery and strengthen mainly the muscles around the knee joint.
Surgery is the modality of choice in cases with recurrent locking or catching. Exercises mainly rehabilitate patients post surgery. Decision on type of surgery is usually intra operative
