Injuries and Conditions: Knee: Meniscal Tear: Medical Details
Overview The meniscus is similar in function to the shock absorber of a car, helping to dissipate the forces transmitted across the knee and providing additional stability for the knee. Each knee contains a medial and a lateral meniscus. The medial meniscus resembles the shape of the letter 'C', while the lateral meniscus resembles the letter 'O'. The medial meniscus is less mobile within the knee joint than the lateral meniscus.
Most meniscal tears occur in the innermost part of the meniscus where it is not securely attached to the bone. The peripheral parts of the menisci are more securely anchored to the edge of the tibia and are, therefore, less mobile. Variations in the anatomy and shape of the menisci allow for more mobility of the lateral meniscus.
Causes of Injury
The meniscus can become injured during activities which forcefully twist the knee or rotate the knee beyond its natural limits.
Activities like skiing, in which the lower leg is fixed while the upper leg is free to rotate, are a common cause of meniscal injuries.
Repetitive compressive or rotational motions that cause only minor tears can, over time, result in damage that does not heal and becomes chronic. This cause of injury can be thought of as a grinding of the softer tissue of the meniscus between the harder tissue of femur and tibia bones.
Occasionally, non-traumatic activities that involve frequent bending or squatting can result in tears.
Diagnosis
The location of pain can help identify the type of meniscal tear. Often, the location of pain corresponds to the point on the meniscus that has suffered injury, as the injury usually does not result in overall or generalized joint pain. The intensity and frequency of the pain, as well as any functional limitations in the injured knee, will somewhat correspond to the severity of the injury. Injuries that cause persistent pain and result in instability of the knee are usually more severe and may involve other structures in the knee.
The meniscus can be damaged through a number of motions, each leading to a different type of tear. More severe injuries will sometimes necessitate an arthroscopic examination, which allows the doctor to look inside the knee in order to diagnose the full extent of the injury. Manipulation of the knee throughout its range of motion will also help detect what area of the meniscus is damaged. X-rays may be used to determine if bones have been injured, although a meniscal tear will not show-up under an x-ray examination. An MRI is frequently used to identify the type and severity of a meniscal injury.
Anatomy
Product Considerations
Knee: Support A knee support is a sleeve-like support that fits firmly around the knee. The support is used to reinforce the joint during motion
and provide compression to aid healing and reduce pain and swelling.
Patients suffering from knee strains or inflammation will usually be
directed to use a support during daily activities.
The thin and flexible construction of the support allows for normal
movement of the knee and also allows the support to be worn under
loose fitting clothing. To prevent harmful pressure to certain
structures, the support applies differing compression around the
knee. The sides of the joint receive intermittent pressure to help
stimulate blood flow while the rear of the support fits relatively
loose to prevent constriction of circulation. The kneecap is aided
in positioning, but remains free of compression to allow its natural
movement.
Knee supports can be used to treat:
Strains
Sprains
Inflammation
Chondromalacia patella
NSAIDs NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) are a group of drugs used to control pain. This category of medications includes both prescription and common over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen. NSAIDs are effective for many types of pain that can occur because of inflammation of muscles, joints and bones. The drugs work quickly and people often notice some benefit within a few hours of taking the tablet. However, the complete effectiveness of the drug may not be realized for up to four weeks. For each individual, some varieties of NSAIDs are more effective than others. Often, patients will find that one or two varieties are helpful whereas others may not be as effective in controlling symptoms. It is usually necessary to try several brands and continue with the one that is most suitable. NSAIDs can be used to treat:
Pain resulting from inflammation or swelling.
Pain after injury.
Joint pain and arthritis.
Knee: Cold Therapy Cold therapy is used to reduce pain and swelling and is a convenient method to apply cold to an injured or rehabilitating extremity, such as a knee or shoulder. A cuff fits like a sleeve around the extremity and utilizes cold water supplied by a connected thermos or canister to chill the extremity. Water flow into the cuff can be controlled by different mechanisms. The simplest way is gravity; elevating the canister fills the cuff and controls the amount of pressure against the extremity. Water flow may also be controlled by a pump which will automatically circulate the cold water to and from the cuff. After surgery or immediately following an injury, the canister should be refilled with cold water every one to two hours to maintain a proper temperature. The cold therapy may also be used during rehabilitation, especially after physical activity, reducing the inflammatory heat from exercise.
Cold therapy can be used to treat:
Knee, Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist and Hand, Back, Hip, and Foot & Ankle Injuries.
