Should I Get My Torn Meniscus Repaired

What are the menisci (meniscus)?

The menisci are two fibrocartilage structures located inside the knee. They improve joint function, acting similar shock-absorbing cushions that help disperse the weight of the body and absorb forces exerted on the genu. They give the knee stability and play a key part in the proper performance of the joint. The human knee joints are amidst the most vulnerable joints of the body and tin can suffer serious injuries. They need to exist able to withstand nifty force per unit area and to absorb and dissipate forces, which makes their role central.

Part of the menisci:

The menisci have various functions:

To absorb the shock waves generated when you walk or run. The menisci can absorb almost 20% of these shock waves.
Force manual: the fibres that make up the meniscus enable the transmission of compressive force past up to fifty% when the knee is extended, and by up to ninety% when the human knee is aptitude.
Joint stability: if the knee buckles, this may be due to laxity or trigger-happy of the anterior cruciate ligament. Knee stability is influenced by the meniscus, the quadriceps and hamstring muscles.
Proprioception: the menisci help to increment proprioception.
Joint slippage: they contribute to the lubrication of the joint due to their shape and loftier h2o content.

Pathologies of the menisci:

Sure movements of the articulatio genus can crusade injuries to the menisci, when they do non follow the movements of the femoral condyles over the tibial plateau. This happens if, for example, the knee is of a sudden extended, which is very common in football players. In this case, there is no time for the meniscus to move forward, so it is trapped betwixt the femoral condyle and the tibial plateau.

Another type of injury is distortion of the knee joint joint, with external rotation and lateralisation, causing the meniscus to slide nether the convexity of the internal condyle, resulting in a longitudinal tear of the meniscus. Moreover, a torn internal ligament tin can likewise lead to a torn meniscus.

Meniscus tears are one of the nearly mutual injuries. Although common in athletes, anyone can suffer this injury. In that location tin be unlike types of tears, but the most common tears are longitudinal, parrot nib, flap, bucket handle and mixed/complex. In the case of sports injuries, these are commonly accompanied by ligament injuries.

Treatments for meniscus pathologies:

Conservative treatment is recommended for this type of injury, which is sometimes sufficient for meniscus tears, giving the articulatio genus time to heal itself. This process is known as RICE, which stands for rest, ice, pinch and elevation. It may be supplemented with anti-inflammatory medication to reduce pain and inflammation.

However, surgery may sometimes exist necessary if symptoms practise not abate. In this case, the orthopaedic surgeon volition usually recommend genu arthroscopy. During arthroscopy, a mini camera is inserted into the knee through a small incision, allowing visualisation of the inside of the joint. The specialist will make two or iii other small incisions to access the knee and repair the injury. After surgery, the specialist will immobilise the knee. When the wounds have healed somewhat, y'all should get-go rehabilitation exercises to restore joint mobility and strength.

Which specialist treats meniscus pathologies?

Orthopaedic surgeons treat issues relating to the genu and the menisci.

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