What is a Meniscus Tear?
The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage in the knee joint that acts as a shock absorber between the thighbone and shinbone. Each knee has two menisci (medial and lateral). Meniscal tears are common injuries, especially in athletes and older adults. Dr Shahrukh Khan at Dashvanth Healthcare Delhi is an expert in meniscal tear treatment.
Causes of Meniscal Tears
- Twisting movements during sports (squatting, pivoting)
- Direct trauma or forceful rotation
- Degenerative tears in older adults from wear and tear
- Combined injuries with ACL or other ligament tears
Symptoms
- Pain along the knee joint line
- Swelling that develops gradually over 24–72 hours
- Stiffness and difficulty bending the knee
- Locking or catching sensation in the knee
- Feeling of the knee “giving way”
Diagnosis
Clinical examination (McMurray test, Apley test), MRI scan (gold standard), and sometimes arthroscopy for direct visualisation.
Treatment Options
Non-Surgical (Conservative) Treatment
Suitable for small peripheral tears. Includes RICE protocol, NSAIDs, physiotherapy, and activity modification. Many partial tears heal with conservative management.
Surgical Treatment: Arthroscopic Meniscal Surgery
- Meniscal Repair: Stitching the torn edges together. Preferred when possible, especially in younger patients with tears in the vascular zone.
- Partial Meniscectomy: Removing the torn portion. Used for complex tears in the avascular zone.
Recovery
- After repair: 3–6 months for full return to sport
- After partial meniscectomy: 6–12 weeks for return to activity
Expert meniscal tear treatment at Dashvanth Healthcare Delhi: 011-41670042
