Meniscus Injuries

Menisci are cartilaginous structures in the knee joint that have important functions such as load transfer, shock absorption, and deep sensory transfer. They are the structures most frequently exposed to trauma in the knee joint. There are two on each knee, one on the inside and one on the outside. Meniscal tears are frequently seen in young people, usually with trauma, and in the elderly without trauma. It usually occurs with a sudden twist and fall in the knee.

 What kind of complaints does a meniscus tear cause?

Pain occurs in the inner or outer part of the knee after trauma. It can cause swelling in the joint. If the tear is large, it may cause a feeling of locking in the knee. Sometimes these symptoms do not resolve spontaneously and may require emergency surgical intervention.

 Diagnosis and Treatment

The diagnosis is suspected during the examination and the diagnosis is confirmed with MRI. Treatment is planned according to the shape, size and stability of the tear. Not every meniscus tear needs surgery. Factors such as age, activity level, tear shape, tear size are very important in decision making. If surgical treatment is decided, surgery is planned with arthroscopic small incisions. Factors such as the shape, blood supply and size of the tear are evaluated during surgery and the meniscus is sutured or removed. Even if the meniscus is too degenerate to be sutured, it is never completely removed.

Postoperative Care

Hospitalization for 1 day after surgery is usually sufficient. According to the intervention to the tear, the post-surgical rehabilitation protocol is determined.