Meniscal Tear

What is a Meniscal Tear?

The meniscus is an important piece of soft cartilage in the knee joint. The meniscus is located between the femur and tibia—serving as a shock absorber that distributes weight and protects the bones from rubbing against each other. A meniscus tear occurs when a piece of the meniscus is torn.

Common Causes:

• • Forced twist or rotation
  • Sudden pivot or turn
  • Deep squatting
  • Heavy lifting

Symptoms of a Meniscal Tear may include:

• • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Stiffness
  • Catching/Locking
  • Knee instability
  • An audible click when bending the knee

When you arrive for your initial consultation, Orthopedic Physicians Alaska (OPA) team of knee specialists will evaluate your areas of concern, discuss your symptoms, and develop a customized and comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. This evaluation is a necessary part of diagnosing your condition and providing the best possible care.

When diagnosing a Meniscal Tear, the OPA specialist will provide:

• • A medical, injury, and symptom history review
  • A physical examination
  • Multiple view x-rays or MRI

Once an official diagnosis is made, a customized treatment plan is prescribed. Treatment plans decrease symptoms as quickly as possible.

Common Treatments:

Nonsurgical treatment options are used to treat a Meniscal Tear. The following may be included in a customized OPA treatment plan:

Surgical intervention may be recommended for some meniscus tears depending on the severity. During a minimally invasive arthroscopic meniscus repair, the OPA knee specialist removes or repairs the torn meniscus. Physical therapy will be an important part of recovery after surgery.