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 composed mainly of water and collagen, and have a hard and elastic structure.
There is the internal meniscus and the external meniscus. Both are divided into three parts: posterior horn, body and anterior 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.
They are characterized by acting as shock absorbers and absorbing impacts, which means less tension 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.
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Request a medical evaluationMost common injuries to the menisci
The meniscus injuries, can be caused by various reasons depending on their cause. Firstly, due to trauma, common among athletes, and which is caused by a severe blow or twist, or by a twisting mechanism. Meniscus injury 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 caused by trauma or sudden movements that often occur while playing sports. Secondly, degenerative lesions are differentiated, these, however. They are common among elderly people. The main cause 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, 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 meniscus.
As explained, meniscus tears can be of two types: on the one hand, traumatic tears, which 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, there are degenerative lesions, which 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, a parrot's beak break.
Symptoms of meniscus tear
Meniscus tears usually present symptoms in the patient; it is common for them to feel acute pain when making minimal efforts, which is usually 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.
Is it possible to walk or play sports with a torn meniscus?
The possibility of walking or engaging in physical activity with a meniscus tear will depend on the type of injury and the patient's symptoms. In mild or degenerative tears, it is possible to walk without intense pain, although discomfort may appear after prolonged exertion or sudden twisting movements.
Continuing unsupervised sports activities can worsen the injury and increase the risk of joint damage. Furthermore, meniscus wear can be accelerated by activities involving jumping, sudden twisting, or repetitive impact on the knee. Therefore, it is essential to adapt physical activity and follow the specialist's recommendations to ensure a proper recovery.
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.
Immediately afterwards, 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.
Differences between a tear of the medial and lateral meniscus
A meniscus tear can affect either the medial or lateral meniscus, although injuries to the medial meniscus are more common. This is because the medial meniscus has less mobility and is more firmly attached to the joint capsule, making it more vulnerable and susceptible to twisting and weight-bearing movements.
Tears of the medial meniscus usually cause greater pain and functional limitation, especially when performing activities such as going up and down stairs or rotating the knee.
On the other hand, tears of the lateral meniscus, although less frequent, can also cause symptoms, especially in high-impact injuries. Identifying which meniscus is affected is essential to determine the most appropriate treatment and assess the prognosis for future recovery.
Does a meniscus tear always require surgery?
Not all meniscus tears require surgery, as the decision depends on several factors, such as the type of tear, its size, its location within the meniscus, the patient's age, and their level of physical activity. For small tears without significant mechanical symptoms, conservative treatment may be an option.
Non-surgical treatment includes relative rest and inflammation control, along with a physical therapy program aimed at improving mobility and strengthening the muscles that stabilize the knee. This treatment reduces the load on the injured meniscus and improves joint function. Surgery is indicated in cases where pain persists or the injury significantly interferes with the patient's life.
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, ice is usually applied to the area and the patient must remain with their leg elevated, so that the muscles relax. In these cases, anti-inflammatory treatment is usually prescribed to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Physiotherapy treatments, which focus on the rehabilitation and strengthening of the muscles surrounding the knee, with the aim of stabilizing the joint, usually offer good results.
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 happens if a meniscus tear is not treated?
When a meniscus tear is not treated promptly, it can lead to progressive deterioration of the knee joint. The constant friction of the injured area against the articular cartilage causes significant wear and tear, increasing the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis prematurely.
Persistent pain can alter gait, causing strain on other areas such as ligaments, muscles, and even the hips and lower back. Over time, this can worsen the initial problem and complicate treatment, leading to future complications.
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.
Recovery time for a meniscus tear without surgery
In cases where conservative treatment is chosen, the recovery time for a meniscus tear will vary depending on the type of injury and the patient's response to treatment. Improvement in pain and joint function occurs gradually over several weeks if a specific medical program is followed.
Physiotherapy plays a fundamental role in this process, as it helps regain strength, stability, and mobility in the knee. Proper load management and a gradual return to physical activity are essential to minimize relapses and ensure a successful recovery.
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.
When to see a specialist for a possible meniscus tear
If persistent knee pain, recurring swelling, or a feeling of joint locking occurs, it is recommended to consult a specialist. If the pain limits your ability to perform daily or sporting activities, or if it does not improve with basic measures such as rest and applying ice, you should inform the medical professional who will review your case.
A specialist assessment can identify the type of meniscal injury, rule out other pathologies, and establish a personalized treatment from early stages to preserve knee function and recover it in the best way.
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.
28 thoughts on “Rotura de menisco: causas y prevención”
Hello, I am a mountain runner who, after 2 months of knee pain, had an MRI of my knee and I would like to know what the diagnosis means and what options I would have to continue practicing this sport.
The diagnosis states the following:
Complex tear of the body and posterior horn of the medial meniscus with a 25 mm longitudinal horizontal line opening the lower articular surface and an oblique radial tear at the junction between the body and posterior horn. Thank you very much in advance and I await your response.
Good morning,
According to the report, it is a tear with several strokes and a small intervention would be necessary: we can try to seal and suture the meniscus so that it is preserved.
You can make an appointment by calling 34 910 053 900
We will wait for you!
Good morning, I have a vertical tear of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus and I would like to know if it requires surgery. In the MRI, the findings are lateral meniscus with a hyperintense linear lesion in Dp sequence inside the posterior horn of the medial meniscus, with vertical morphology, which contacts the surface of the articular surface, what would be the treatment
Hello Rosana,
It is difficult to give you an answer only with the data you provide us. We should evaluate the images and perform a clinical examination to make a diagnosis. We invite you to request an appointment by calling 910 053 900 to evaluate your case personally.
All the best
Good morning, I have a degenerative rupture of the posterior and anterior horn of the aforementioned. I can heal it with ozone.
Hello Sonia,
No. Ozone does not have that effect. There are other therapies that we can apply to improve your condition but it is not possible to regenerate a degenerative tear.
Greetings
تمزق تقع على الداخلل درجة الثانية (تنكس).
السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته ما هو السؤال
وخياطة والحركة القوية ذه مغناطيسي التقرير ك تمزق في القرن الخلفي للغضروف المفصلي الانسي من الدرجة lllAهل هناك خطو رة ولازم اجراء عملية ام علاج طبيعي ومن اي درجة تعتبر هذه الحالة لك لك
Usually it means that the meniscus didn't heal, so we need to review the images, and sometimes try to do new meniscal reconstruction. عادة ما يعني ذلك إٔ الصور، وفي بعض الأحيان نحاول إجراء إعادة بناء هلالية جديدة.
لوحظت تغيرات خفيفة في هشاشة العظام علي ية والرضفية مع التصلب تحت الغضروفي التنكسي والتغيرات الكيسي
ويلاحظ أيضًا وجود قرح عظمية غضروفية متعددة مرتبطة على طول السطح ال بكري الفخذي الإنسي والجود انصباب مفصلي خ فيف إلى متوسط
يبدو الغضروف المفصلي للقرن الملصق متدهورًا مع زيادة الإشارة الغضروف المفصلي التي تصل إلى السطح السفلي ، ويبدو الغضروف المفصلي الجانبي متدهورًا متدهورًا
تتم الغضروفية على طول الحافة ية. من المحتمل أن يكون هذا العرض مرتبطًا بتلين الغضروف الرضفي
ACL, PCL, PCL, PCL سليمة
The المفصلي الجانبي متدهور
تتم الغضروفية على طول الحافة ية. من المحتمل أن يكون هذا العرض مرتبطًا بتلين الغضروف الرضفي
ACL, PCL, PCL, PCL سليمة
لا يوجد خلل في الأنسجة الرخوة المحيطة بالمفصل
– هشاشة العظام الخفيفة
-ممزقة بم
– تلين غضروف الرضفة
– انصباب مفصلي خفيف إلى متوسط
Good morning,
It is important to review the MRI images to determine the need for surgery. It would be important to be able to have an online appointment and see what type of pain the patient has and with this, together with the images, be able to make a decision.
Greetings
لوحظت تغيرات خفيفة في هشاشة العظام علي ية والرضفية مع التصلب تحت الغضروفي التنكسي والتغيرات الكيسي
ويلاحظ أيضًا وجود قرح عظمية غضروفية متعددة مرتبطة على طول السطح ال بكري الفخذي الإنسي والجود انصباب مفصلي خ فيف إلى متوسط
يبدو الغضروف المفصلي للقرن الملصق متدهورًا مع زيادة الإشارة الغضروف المفصلي التي تصل إلى السطح السفلي ، ويبدو الغضروف المفصلي الجانبي متدهورًا متدهورًا
تتم الغضروفية على طول الحافة ية. من المحتمل أن يكون هذا العرض مرتبطًا بتلين الغضروف الرضفي
ACL, PCL, PCL, PCL سليمة
The المفصلي الجانبي متدهور
تتم الغضروفية على طول الحافة ية. من المحتمل أن يكون هذا العرض مرتبطًا بتلين الغضروف الرضفي
ACL, PCL, PCL, PCL سليمة
لا يوجد خلل في الأنسجة الرخوة المحيطة بالمفصل
– هشاشة العظام الخفيفة
-ممزقة بم
– تلين غضروف الرضفة
– انصباب مفصلي خفيف إلى متوسط
هل تحتاج الحالة إلى إجراء عملية ام أن العلاج الطبيعي كاف
Good morning,
It is important to review the MRI images to determine the need for surgery. It would be important to be able to have an online appointment and see what type of pain the patient has and with this, together with the images, be able to make a decision.
Greetings
مرحبا انا عمري 39 سنة ولدي الم في مفصل الركبة اليمنى
وقمت بعمل صورة رنين مغناطيسي للركبة
هل يمكنك شرح نتيجة التقرير التالي
إشارة: مفصلي الداخلي
28.08.2024
التسلسلات: cor: T2w TSE fs; tra: PDw TSE fs; sag: T1w TSE, PDw TSE fs
النتائج: لا توجد فحوصات أولية.
لا توجد صدمات أو عدوى أو أورام.
ميل جانبي خلقي منخفض (10 pieces) ي الفخذي؛ صانوي أو فاصل، ربما لا يوجد اختلال رضفي فخذي واضح سريريا. لا توجد حالة بعد خلع الرضفة.
Trochleadysplasia من النوع A وفقا ل Dejour؛ لا توجد متغيرات طبيعية أخرى أو تشوهات أو مواضعات.
لا توجد أمراض عظام أو نخاعية.
المفصل الحرة. لا انصباب مفاصلي، ولا التهاب زليفي، ولا التهاب مفصلي.
الأنسجة الرخوة داخل المفصل المزعجة. لا يوجد هشاشة العظام أو التهاب المفاصل.
لا يوجد اعتلال السهلالي. جهاز احتجاز الغضرف المكبسول غير ملحوظ. لا توجد خراجات شبه مينية.
الأربطة الصليبية، الخلفي والجانبي، لباسطات مع الشبكية، وغيرها من أجهزة النطاق الكبسولي غير ملحوظة.
الأنسجة الرخوة غير ملحوظة حول المفصل.
التقييم : ي. الرضفي الفخذي؛ لا يمكن افتراض اختلال الرضفة الفد جيا الصورة.
مرحباً بكم,
سيكون من المثالي مراجعة الصور في استشارة عبر الإنترنت لرؤيتها. وسيكون من الصعب جدًا شرحها كتابيًا. يمكنك الاتصال على info@clinicaelgeadi.com لتحديد موعد خاص عبر الإنترنت.
Tolerance
السلام وعليكم أعاني من ح سب نتائج الفحوصات،ممكن معرفة هل يلتئم هدا التمزق مع الوقت وكيف دلك ؟
شكراً جزيلاً لك على ترك تعليقك.
إذا كنت مهتمًا بالحصول على استشارة، يمكنك مراسلتنا من خلال النقر ه نا“.
Tolerance
مساء الخير... لة مع العلاج اللازم
TRACE AMOUNT OF ARTICULAR EFFUSION
THE ANTERIOR SUPRAPATELLAR FAT PAD SHOWS EDEMA WITH INCREASED SIGNAL INTENSITY WITH A SLIGHTLY CONVEX POSTERIOR SURFACE. THESE FINDINGS MAY SUGGEST SUPRAPATELLAR FAT PAD IMPINGEMENT.
DISCOID LATERAL MENISCUS WITHOUT FRANK TEAR.
ABNORMAL HIGH INTRASUBSTANCE SIGNAL IN THE POSTERIOR HORN OF MEDIAL MENISCUS NOT EXTENDING TO THE ARTICULAR SURFACES MOSTLY DEGENERATIVE, NOT FRANK TEAR (LOTYSCH GRADE 2C).
BOTH CRUCIATE LIGAMENTS WITH NORMAL SIGNAL INTENSITY ARE CONTINUOUS. OF NORMAL ASPECT
COLLATERAL LIGAMENTS, PATELLAR AND QUADRICIPS TENDONS ARE ALSO NORMAL, NO ABNORMAL SIGNAL.
NO POPLITEAL CYST
FEMORAL CONDYLES AND TIBIAL PLATEAUX PRESENT NORMAL SIGNAL
Hello,
We do not give medical indications or analyze specific cases through this medium.
If you want one of our specialists to review your case you can make an appointment by calling 91 005 39 00.
Kind regards
The Great Patriotic War
EXAMINATION TECHNIQUE:
Sagittal T1, PD & T2 WIs “Plate 1 – 3”.
Axial T2 WIs “Plate 4”.
Coronal STIR & meniscal window «Plate 5»
No IV contrast was given.
MRI FINDINGS:
The ACL presented fuzzy outline with areas of intermediate signal
intensity in all pulse sequences within its substance, yet its fibers are
seen stretched with no evidence of complete tear or retraction.
The posterior horn of both menisci presented a triangular shaped area of
intermediate signal intensity in T1 and PDWIs. It is not seen reaching to
the articular surface or the meniscus-capsular attachment.
Normal MRI appearance of the PCL, collateral and patellar retinacular
ligaments as well as the quadriceps and infra patellar tendons.
Mild intra articular joint effusion is noted.
Normal marrow signals of the examined bones and the overlying articular
cartilages.
Intact peri-articular musculature with preserved intervening fat planes.
OPINION:
ACL sprain.
Degeneration of the posterior horn of both menisci.
Mild knee joint effusion.
مرحبًا،
يُظهر تقرير الرنين المغناطيسي بعض النتائج المهمة، مثل التواء (LCA) وتدهور في القرن الخلفي للغضاريف المفصلية في كلا الركبتين. كما لوحظ وجود تسرب مفصلي طفيف في الركبة.
من المهم أن يقوم طبيب مختص بمراجعة التقرير وحالتك الصحية بشكل دقيق لتقديم تشخيص دقيق وتوصية بالعلاج المناسب. إذا كنت ترغب، يمكنك تحديد موعد مع فريقنا من المتخصصين لمراجعة +34 91 005 39 00.
نحن في خدمتك لأي استفسارات إضافية.
to the devil.
Good morning.
For some time now, I have been experiencing discomfort in my knee when stretching and bending to the point of getting stuck or popping when squatting.
I had an MRI and the report says “Tear of the posterior horn of the internal meniscus: ramp 2 lesions.”
What treatment would you recommend to me?
Thank you.
Hello Sandra,
The diagnosis you mention, which includes a tear of the posterior horn of the internal meniscus, can cause the symptoms you describe, such as discomfort when stretching or bending the knee and a feeling of "locking in." It is important that a specialist review your studies and evaluate your situation in detail to determine the most appropriate treatment.
In many cases, depending on the severity of the injury, treatment may include physical therapy, rest, or even surgery. However, only a specialist will be able to offer you a personalized recommendation after reviewing your studies and performing a clinical evaluation.
If you wish, you can schedule an appointment with our specialists by calling +34 91 005 39 00 for a more precise evaluation.
Greetings.
Good afternoon, I had an MRI for pain in my right knee. I have: a large longitudinal tear of the lateral meniscus that reaches the peripheral edge. A small radial tear in the meniscal body, probably at the free edge.
Mild proximal tendinosis of the medial gastrocnemius. I have an appointment with the orthopedist in three weeks, and I don't know what to do in the meantime. Will it require surgery? I've been dealing with this pain for a while. Thank you.
Hello Maria,
Thank you for sharing your case. We understand how worrying it can be to receive an MRI report with these findings, especially if the pain has persisted for some time. However, only an orthopedic surgeon can assess during a consultation whether the injury requires conservative or surgical treatment, as this depends on several factors, such as the actual extent of the fracture, your current mobility, your level of pain, and your usual physical activity.
While you wait for your appointment, it's advisable to avoid activities that aggravate the discomfort (such as running, jumping, or lifting heavy objects), apply ice if there's swelling, and keep your leg relatively rested. If the pain worsens or you have difficulty walking, you might consider seeing a doctor sooner.
Good luck and get well soon!
Good morning, I had been experiencing pain in the inner part of my left knee for 2 months. I had an MRI and received this diagnosis: Complex tear of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus, with an oblique tear open to the inferior articular surface, and radial tear of the free edge.
I would like to know if, with this diagnosis, intervention is preferable or if it might improve with conservative treatment. Thank you.
Thank you for your question, Manuel. With a complex tear of the medial meniscus, conservative treatment can be attempted if there is no locking, persistent painful clicking, or significant limitation (physical therapy, pain management, and rehabilitation). If there is locking, repeated episodes, or no improvement within 6–8 weeks, arthroscopy is usually considered.