Meniscal Rupture

A meniscus rupture, commonly referred to as a meniscus tear, is a common knee injury. The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage in the knee that acts as a cushion between your thighbone (femur) and shinbone (tibia). It helps to stabilize the joint and protect the bones from wear and tear.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of a meniscus tear include:
– Pain: Especially when twisting or rotating your knee.
– Swelling: Usually within the first 24-48 hours.

– Stiffness: Difficulty moving your knee or feeling as if your knee is locked in place.
– Popping sensation: You might feel or hear a pop at the time of the injury.
– Difficulty straightening the knee: Your knee may not fully extend.

Causes

Meniscus tears often occur due to activities that involve twisting or turning the knee forcefully, such as during sports. It can also happen from heavy lifting or even just a wrong step. In older adults, the meniscus can become weaker and more prone to tearing as part of the aging process.

Diagnosis

A meniscus tear is usually diagnosed through a physical examination and sometimes imaging tests like an MRI, which can provide detailed images of the knee's soft tissues.

Treatment

Treatment for a meniscus tear depends on the severity and location of the tear, as well as the patient’s age, activity level, and overall health. Options include:
– Rest and Ice: Resting and applying ice to the knee can help reduce swelling and pain.
– Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve flexibility can be beneficial.

– Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation.
– Surgery: In severe cases, arthroscopic surgery may be required to repair or remove the torn portion of the meniscus.

Recovery

Recovery time can vary widely depending on the treatment approach and the extent of the injury. For minor tears treated conservatively,

recovery might take a few weeks. If surgery is required, recovery can take several months, often involving physical therapy.

It’s important to follow medical advice and avoid activities that could aggravate the injury during recovery to prevent further damage to the meniscus.

ΕΠΙΚΟΙΝΩΝΗΣΤΕ ΜΕ ΤΟ ΓΙΑΤΡΟ

ΚΛΕΙΣΕ ΤΟ ΡΑΝΤΕΒΟΥ ΣΟΥ