Meniscus Injuries to the Knee

What is Meniscus Injuries to the Knee?

A meniscus serves as a crucial fibrocartilaginous component within a joint, providing essential structural support and integrity, particularly in weight-bearing joints like the knee. In the knee joint, two menisci are present—the lateral meniscus and the medial meniscus—both playing vital roles in distributing body weight evenly across the joint surface, reducing friction, and aiding in shock absorption during movements.

Meniscal tears are a common injury that can occur in various forms, typically categorised into horizontal and vertical tears based on their orientation within the meniscus. These tears often coincide with other knee injuries, such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, due to the biomechanical stresses placed on the knee joint during traumatic events.

When an ACL injury occurs simultaneously with a meniscal tear, the predominant symptoms are often indicative of an ACL tear, such as instability, swelling, and a feeling of giving way in the knee. However, isolated meniscal damage can occur following specific types of traumatic events, particularly those involving compression and rotational forces applied to the knee joint.

The clinical presentation of a meniscal tear typically includes sudden onset of knee pain, which may be severe and localised to the affected area within the joint. Over the course of a few hours following the injury, gradual joint swelling may occur, accompanied by stiffness and limited range of motion. In some cases, individuals may experience episodes of the knee joint “locking” or “giving way,” indicating mechanical dysfunction and interference with normal joint movement.

Conservative management approaches may include rest, ice therapy, compression, elevation (RICE protocol), and physical therapy to improve knee strength, flexibility, and stability.

Timely recognition and appropriate management of meniscal tears are crucial to minimise pain, prevent further joint damage, and promote optimal recovery and return to activity for individuals affected by this common knee injury.

If you are suffering from Meniscus Injuries, we have a team who is ready to help you and get you on the road to recovery. Book an appointment with Precision Health today!

Call us on (02) 9639 7337 or book online.

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