Simple Guide to Meniscus Injuries: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Related Conditions

The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that helps to cushion and stabilize the knee joint. It is located between the shinbone (tibia) and the thighbone (femur). There are two menisci in each knee, one on the inside (medial meniscus) and one on the outside (lateral meniscus).

A Simple Guide To Meniscus Injuries, Diagnosis, Treatment And Related Conditions (A Simple Guide to Medical Conditions)

by Kenneth Kee

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Meniscus injuries are common, especially in athletes. They can occur as a result of a sudden twist or turn of the knee, or from overuse. Symptoms of a meniscus injury may include pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty bending or straightening the knee.

Diagnosis of Meniscus Injuries

If you think you may have injured your meniscus, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis. Your doctor will perform a physical examination and ask you about your symptoms. He or she may also Free Download an MRI to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment of Meniscus Injuries

Treatment for meniscus injuries depends on the severity of the injury. Minor tears may be treated with conservative measures, such as rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). More severe tears may require surgery.

Conservative Treatment

Conservative treatment for meniscus injuries typically involves the following:

• Rest: Avoid activities that cause pain.
• Ice: Apply ice to the knee for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
• Compression: Wrap the knee with an elastic bandage to help reduce swelling.
• Elevation: Keep the knee elevated above the level of the heart to help reduce swelling.

Surgery

Surgery may be necessary to repair a torn meniscus. There are two main types of meniscus surgery: arthroscopic surgery and open surgery.

Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that involves making small incisions in the knee and inserting a camera and surgical instruments. The surgeon can then visualize the meniscus and repair the tear.

Open surgery is a more invasive procedure that involves making a larger incision in the knee. The surgeon can then directly visualize and repair the meniscus.

Related Conditions

Meniscus injuries can sometimes lead to other knee problems, such as:

• Osteoarthritis: Meniscus injuries can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis in the knee.
• Ligament injuries: Meniscus injuries can sometimes occur in combination with ligament injuries.
• Cartilage damage: Meniscus injuries can damage the cartilage that lines the knee joint.

Meniscus injuries are common, but they can be effectively treated. If you think you may have injured your meniscus, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. With proper treatment, you can get back to your active lifestyle.

For more information on meniscus injuries, please visit the following resources:

• Mayo Clinic: Meniscus Tear
• WebMD: Understanding Meniscus Tears
• Johns Hopkins Medicine: Meniscus Repair Surgery

A Simple Guide To Meniscus Injuries, Diagnosis, Treatment And Related Conditions (A Simple Guide to Medical Conditions)

by Kenneth Kee

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	370 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	89 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE