Meniscus tear: causes, prevention and treatment

The meniscus tear is a common injury among the population, especially among athletes. It is important to treat the injury appropriately, so that the patient can recover normality in shorter times. Some joints that have menisci are, for example, the knee, wrist or temporomandibular joint.

What are the menisci and what is their function?

The menisci are cartilaginous structures located in the knee joint, between the femur and tibia. They are mainly composed of water and collagen, and have a hard and elastic structure. These structures are characterized by acting as shock absorbers and absorbing impacts, which means less stress on the cartilage. In addition, they play a fundamental role in knee mobility and provide stability to the joint.

There is the internal meniscus and external meniscus, and in both you can distinguish the anterior horn and the posterior horn. The medial meniscus has a more open structure, making it more prone to sports injuries. For its part, the external meniscus has a very closed structure.

Do you need a second opinion about a spinal problem or traumatic injury?

We review your MRIs, reports, and tests to give you a clear diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan.

Request a second medical opinion

Most common injuries to the menisci

The meniscus injuries, They can arise for various reasons depending on the underlying cause.. Firstly, these injuries are usually the result of trauma, common among athletes, which can be caused by a severe blow or twist, or by a twisting mechanism. In addition, meniscus injuries can also have a degenerative origin.

As for the cartilage lesions, several types can be differentiated depending on the causes. On the one hand, traumatic injuries are common in athletes and are usually caused by trauma or sudden movements that often occur while playing sports. On the other hand, there are degenerative lesions, more common in elderly people. The main cause of this injury is wear and tear of the joint and loss of elasticity of the meniscus. In these cases, the injury occurs without the need for aggressive movement to the joint.

meniscus tear

The Meniscus tear is one of the most common knee injuries. It occurs when continuity with the joint is lost, although tears can also occur inside the meniscus, which is known as meniscopathy. Among the most common meniscopathies, you can find tear and rupture of the meniscus.

There are two main types of meniscus tears: traumatic and degenerative. Traumatic ruptures generally occur in young people and are caused by trauma or a sudden movement, which, in many cases, can be accompanied by rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament. They are usually large tears, for example, a broken bucket handle, which affects the meniscus practically in its entirety.

On the other hand, degenerative injuries usually occur during daily activities. In this case, they are usually smaller tears, the edges of which irritate the cartilage and cause pain, for example, the parrot's beak break.

Symptoms of meniscus tear

Meniscus tears usually manifest with a series of characteristic symptoms.

It is common for patients to experience acute pain upon minimal effort, accompanied by stiffness and immobility in the joint and weakness in the affected leg.

In many cases, the patient may present inflammation in the area, caused by the creation of a parameniscal cyst around the meniscus.

In cases of degenerative tears, caused by wear and dehydration of the meniscus, it is likely that the patient will not present symptoms, or that symptoms will appear over time.

Diagnosis of meniscus tear

When the patient goes to the specialist with pain in the knee joint, the first thing that is performed is a palpation and physical examination of the meniscus. To do this, the McMurray test is usually performed, in which the knee is flexed and rotated, observing whether the meniscus becomes tense.

In addition, the necessary imaging tests will be performed. A patient can be subjected to an x-ray, in which the meniscus is not observed, but, in cases of tear due to wear, the degree of osteoarthritis can be assessed. However, The most useful test for diagnosis is MRI..

In more extreme cases, in which the previous tests do not provide sufficient information, an arthroscopy can be performed, which allows observing the inside of the knee, for a more precise exploration of the meniscus.

What are the differences between a meniscus tear and a knee ligament injury?

Both meniscus tears and ligament injuries affect the knee, although they present different symptoms and mechanisms. Meniscus tears typically cause localized pain, a locking sensation, or clicking or popping sounds when movement is performed.

Ligament injuries, such as those of the anterior cruciate ligament, are associated primarily with a feeling of instability, swelling that manifests immediately, and difficulty in maintaining weight on the affected leg.

The diagnosis that differentiates these conditions is based on clinical evaluation and imaging tests, with magnetic resonance imaging being the most suitable for correctly identifying the type of lesion, providing the appropriate treatment, and avoiding long-term complications.

Treatments for meniscus tears

When diagnose a meniscus tearFirst of all, it is usually recommended that the patient rest and reduce pressure on the knee, avoiding sudden movements or forced positions. In addition, it is usually recommended to apply ice to the affected area and elevate the leg, so that the muscles relax. In turn, anti-inflammatory treatment is usually prescribed to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

On the other hand, physiotherapy treatments usually offer good results, since they focus on the rehabilitation and strengthening of the muscles that surround the knee, with the aim of stabilizing the joint.

In some cases, stem cell transfusions in the meniscus. The objective of this treatment is the regeneration of the affected cartilage and recover its self-healing capacity, in order to avoid future injuries to the cartilage.

Sometimes, especially after traumatic ruptures, it is necessary for the patient to undergo a menisectomy, that is, a arthroscopy surgery, in which a part of the meniscus or, in some cases, the entire meniscus will be removed. However, a meniscus suture is usually attempted, which offers better long-term results, since the menisci have areas that receive blood flow (vascularized).

What exercises are recommended and which should be avoided with a meniscus tear?

When treating a meniscus tear, physical exercise is included, but it must be adapted to the specific stage of the injury and the type of tear. In the initial stages, gentle exercises are performed to improve mobility without overloading the joint.

Then, under the supervision of a professional, strengthening of the quadriceps, hamstrings and hip stabilizing muscles is carried out, since it is essential to regain strength to improve knee stability and reduce the risk of relapses.

Conversely, high-impact activities involving sudden twists, jumps, repeated impacts, or deep knee flexion should be avoided as they can aggravate the injury and delay recovery.

Meniscus surgery: recovery time

The recovery after meniscus surgery, is usually quick and anti-inflammatory treatment is usually prescribed, so that the patient does not experience pain. For the first few days, the patient must use crutches to not support the foot and avoid tension in the operated joint.

In this type of recovery, rehabilitation is of great importance, since it prevents muscle atrophy and helps strengthen the muscles that support the joint. In conclusion, total recovery usually ranges between three and four months.

What happens if a meniscus tear is not operated on?

The decision not to undergo surgery to treat a meniscus tear carries important long-term health consequences. Among them, painful symptoms, inflammation, and restricted knee mobility are likely to persist. Additionally, there is a risk that the injury will worsen over time, which could lead to further deterioration of the articular cartilage and increase the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis in the affected knee.

Exercises to strengthen a torn meniscus

To improve the strength and stability of the knee with a torn meniscus, exercises such as:

• Calf stretch: Standing in front of a wall, with your hands resting at eye level, extend one leg backwards, keeping your heel on the floor and the other leg bent. Lean toward the wall to feel the stretch in your calf and hold the position for at least 15 seconds before returning to the starting position.
• Squats with a ball: Standing with your back to the wall, with your body supported by a Pilates ball and your feet approximately one meter away from the wall, bend your knees at a 45-degree angle. Hold the position for 10 seconds before returning to the starting position.
• Back Straight Leg Raise: Lie face down and raise one leg straight while keeping the other leg supported with your toes stretched against the floor. Hold the position for about 5 seconds and repeat with the opposite leg. These lifts help strengthen the gluteal muscles.
• Heel lift: Standing on a surface for balance, lift your heels repeatedly to stand on your toes. This exercise strengthens the calf muscles.

In addition, practicing activities such as yoga, swimming and cycling is recommended to improve the strength and flexibility of the affected knee. It is important to perform these exercises under proper supervision and adapt them according to each person's individual needs.

When does a meniscus tear not require surgery?

Not all meniscus tears require surgery. For example, small, stable tears without joint locking can be treated conservatively with good functional results.

The decision will depend on factors such as the type of tear, the location of the injury, and the degree of vascularization of the meniscus. Tears located in areas with greater blood flow have a much greater capacity for healing, thus predicting a positive outcome without surgery.

Also key to defining the procedure are the patient's age, their level of physical activity, and the presence of other associated or old injuries.

What happens if a meniscus tear is not treated in time?

An untreated meniscus tear can lead to progressive wear of the articular cartilage, losing the shock-absorbing function of the meniscus and increasing the direct load between the femur and tibia.

Over time, this could develop into knee osteoarthritis, chronic pain, or progressively limit mobility, and may also involve repeated episodes of inflammation and joint locking.

For this reason, timely diagnosis and follow-up by a specialist professional are essential to treat the injury in its initial stages and preserve knee function, reducing the likelihood of more complex surgeries in the future.

How to take care of your knees to avoid a meniscus tear?

Meniscus tears are usually inevitable. However, there are certain guidelines that help prevent them. First of all, sports that involve excessive and repeated impact on the joint, as well as activities that place the knee in forced positions, should be avoided.

It is recommended to perform low-impact sports on a regular basis, which will help control body weight, keep the area strengthened and provide stability to the joint.

As has been seen, it is important to acquire healthy lifestyle habits to avoid, as far as possible, meniscus tears. Furthermore, in case of breakage, special attention must be paid to the knee rehabilitation through physiotherapy to avoid chronic injuries to the meniscus.

Prevention of meniscus tears in athletes

The health and performance of athletes depends largely on the prevention of injuries such as meniscus tears. Some strategies to prevent it from happening include:

• Muscle strengthening: Implement a training plan that focuses on strengthening the muscles around the knee, such as the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. This can stabilize the joint and decrease the risk of meniscus injury.
• Proper technique: It is essential that athletes learn and practice appropriate techniques, avoiding putting incorrect pressure on the meniscus.
• Warming up and stretching: It is essential to perform a proper warm-up to increase body temperature and prepare the muscles for sports. Additionally, stretching both before and after physical activity can maintain flexibility, preventing meniscus injuries.
• Protective equipment: Depending on the sport, wearing protective gear such as knee pads or joint protectors can reduce impact and protect the knee from injury.
• Rest and recovery: Overtraining and fatigue increase the risk of injuries, including meniscus tears. Therefore, it is crucial for athletes to listen to their bodies and give themselves enough time to rest and recover.
• Healthy weight: Maintaining proper body weight reduces the load on joints, including the knees, which helps prevent meniscus injuries.

By following these tips it is possible to significantly reduce the risk of suffering a meniscus tear. It is essential that athletes take care of their body's health and seek medical attention in the presence of any symptoms that may indicate that it is compromised.

Clinic with sports medicine for treatment of torn meniscus in Madrid

Maintaining good health is essential to be able to fully and confidently enjoy our favorite sport. In the presence of symptoms, it is crucial to attend specialized trauma centers, which can accurately diagnose any condition that occurs. If you suspect or have a meniscus tear, do not hesitate to contact Elgeadi Clinic to treat it. In our clinic you will find highly trained professionals and innovative treatments that guarantee a speedy recovery so you can quickly return to your activities.

Choose Clinica Elgeadi as your trusted trauma center for the recovery of your injuries. Don't hesitate to make an appointment so we can start working on your injury.