Meniscal Tear

A Meniscal Tear is a tear in the meniscus. The meniscus is a shock-absorbing structure in the knee. There are two menisci (plural of meniscus) in each knee.

Most injuries to the meniscus are caused by trauma, usually compression and twisting of the knee. Movements that can cause trauma to the knee include pivoting, cutting, and decelerating. Because aging tends to break down the inner tissues of the meniscus, minor trauma (such as squatting) can injure the meniscus in an older person.

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.

• Participating in contact sports
• Improper techniques for jumping and landing, pivoting, and cutting
• Previous ACL injury

Torn Meniscus may or may not cause symptoms. The ones that do not are usually small tears located in the back of the knee.
Symptoms may include:

• Popping sound at the time of the injury
• Pain
• Tightness
• Swelling within the knee, often called water on the knee
• Locking up or giving way of the knee

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and how you injured your knee, and perform a physical exam. The doctor will perform physical test to decide if there is a tear. Tests may include:
X-ray – a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body. It may not show a meniscus tear, but may show some bone abnormality.
MRI Scan – a test that uses magnetic radiation waves to make pictures of the inside of the knee.
Arthroscopy – a thin, lighted tube inserted through a small incision in the knee to look at the structures inside the knee.

If your knee locks up and is painful, your physician may determine that surgery is necessary to remove the damaged meniscus. For knees that are stable and aren't locking, the RICE treatment may be all that is needed, at least for a period of time.
RICE therapy
Rest - Take a break from activities that stress the knee joint. With rest, the knee will be less painful. Some meniscal tears will heal with time.
Ice – Apply ice in 15-minute periods during the first 24 hours after the injury and for several days after if needed. This helps reduce swelling, inflammation, and pain.
Compression – Wrap the knee in an elastic bandage. This will help stop swelling and provide support and protection for the knee. Do not pull the elastic tightly.
Elevation – Keep the injured knee raised for the first 24 hours, including during sleep. This will help drain fluid and reduce swelling.

To avoid tearing a meniscus:

• Wear appropriate footwear for your sport and playing surface.
• Strengthen and stretch the leg muscles, including
  • Hamstrings
  • Quadriceps
  • Calf muscles
• Learn the techniques to properly cut, pivot, slow down, and land from a jump.