Dr Swapnil Sharma, MBBS, DNB (ORTHO) - Consultant Arthroscopy Surgeon (Sports Medicine) & Joint Replacement Surgeon

+91 86033 39713
305 Nakodar Chowk,Lajpat Nagar, Jalandhar

Meniscus Injury of Knee

The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage inside the knee that provides a cushion between the thighbone (femur) and legbone (tibia). There are two menisci in each knee joint – one inside (medial) and one outside (lateral).

How does a meniscus get damaged?

Any activity that causes the knee to forcefully twist or rotate, such as sudden twists and turns, can tear the meniscus. Even awkward stumble, deep squatting or inappropriate lifting can also damage it. The risk is particularly high for athletes — more so for those who participate in contact-sports such as football, kabaddi, wrestling or in sports that involve pivoting, such as cricket, hockey, badminton, table-tennis, volleyball and others.

In older persons, the meniscus can tear with little or no injury due to the associated degenerative changes of the knee.

How do I know?

Often one can feel a click or popping sensation at the time of injury, followed by pain, swelling and limp. The pain, limp, swelling continue and get worse over the time.
The knee often gets ‘locked’ – meaning the knee is stuck in a bent position and cannot be made completely straight. A locked knee is very painful and movements become very difficult.

What is the treatment?

It depends on the symptoms and disabilities. In brief, if one is having symptoms of repeated locking (inability to fully straighten the knee) and persistent pain or limp and is unable to pursue his daily activities or sports, then he needs an operation.

However, if the symptoms are minimum or improving over time, then medical treatment can be tried.

What is the operation?

The operation is done under general or local anaesthesia. Initially, the inside of the knee is examined by a thin telescope, which is introduced through a small puncture (arthroscopy). Next the torn meniscus is visualised. If the tear is repairable, it is repaired and if the tear is beyond repair, the damaged part is removed.

What if I do not get operated?

The symptoms of locking and pain will persist. An acute locking is very painful and restrictive. With repeated movements, the size of tear may increase and can lead to early degenerative changes.