Meniscus Tear Specialist

What is a meniscus tear?

A meniscus tear occurs in one of the two crescent-shaped wedges of cartilage that stabilize each knee. Your menisci absorb shock when you make major movements like fast pivots, twists, and heavy landings. 

But, as with all cartilage, menisci can tear easily. Meniscus tears are a very common type of sports injury, especially in athletes like basketball players, skiers, and football players. About half of people with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears (another common sports injury) also have a meniscus tear. 

Meniscus tears can also occur in inactive people, especially older adults. As you age, your cartilage weakens, and you may be more likely to experience a degenerative meniscus tear when you make an awkward move as you stand up or turn.

What symptoms can a meniscus tear cause?

A meniscus tear usually causes obvious knee issues, such as:

• A popping noise
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Weakness
• Swelling
• Restricted knee movement
• Locking or clicking

You may be able to bear weight on your knee, but if you have a torn meniscus, you usually notice that it feels unstable.  

How is a meniscus tear treated?

Martin Orthopedics offers all types of meniscus tear treatment, with a customized approach for your injury. 

Conservative care

Some tears may heal naturally with rest, bracing, physical therapy, and other non-surgical treatments. 

Injections

If you have persistent knee pain and weakness because of a meniscus tear, you may need a corticosteroid injection to reduce inflammation and pain. Regenerative medicine treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections can stimulate cartilage healing and relieve symptoms in some cases.

Surgery

For more serious meniscus tears, arthroscopic surgery may be the best treatment. Arthroscopic surgery requires a couple of buttonhole-sized incisions in your knee. The surgery uses a tube-shaped tool with a built-in camera and special surgical instruments to diagnose the extent of your meniscus tear, remove damaged cartilage, and restore the meniscus to its proper shape and position.

After meniscus surgery, Martin Orthopedics refers you to a trusted physical therapy facility for rehabilitation.

A meniscus tear is a very treatable injury, and most people return to full function after treatment. Find out how Martin Orthopedics can treat your sports or degenerative injury by calling the nearest office or clicking on the online appointment scheduler.