Meniscal Tear Treatment By Orthopedic Surgeons Of Randolph
Orthopedics can get you up and walking again in Asheboro
, NC.
Meniscal tears are a common knee injury for athletes, but they can occur at almost any age and activity level.
Located between the thighbone and shinbone, the meniscus is a cartilage "shock absorber" that protects and stabilizes the knee joint. Though meniscal tears often happen during sports when a player comes into contact with another player, it can also occur in older adults whose menisci have weakened over time and with age.
Even a motion as simple as twisting the wrong way when getting up from a chair may result in a meniscal tear for an elderly adult. According to sports medicine doctors, meniscal tears often occur in conjunction with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) sprains and tears.
Symptoms of meniscal tear
Meniscal tears are often paired with a "popping" sound, much like ACL sprains and tears, however many patients are able to continue walking on the knee. Over a few days, however, the knee will become stiff and swollen and range of motion diminished.
Common symptoms of meniscal tears include a locking of the knee joint, and the knee "giving way." If immediate treatment for meniscal tears is not sought from Asheboro, NC, orthopedic surgeons, the meniscus can loosen and float into the joint, causing the knee to slip, pop, or lock.
Physical exam and imaging tests part of meniscal tear diagnosis
Meniscal tears often mimic other common knee injuries. After taking a patient history and listening to a description of symptoms, orthopedic surgeons will perform the McMurray test, a bending, straightening and rotating of the knee.
The distinct "clicking" sound each time the knee moves is a telltale sign of meniscal tears. To rule out the possibility of other knee injuries, sports medicine doctors may order visual tests such as an X-ray or MRI before making a diagnosis.
Meniscal tear treatment plan depends on size, type and location
The outside of the meniscus is called the "red zone" because it receives a rich blood supply. Meniscal tears in this zone often heal without surgery and respond well when surgery is needed.
The inner portion of the meniscus, or the "white zone," does not heal on its own because it lacks a blood supply. Tears in this area occur to older, thinner cartilage, and cannot heal. These types of meniscal tears are usually trimmed during orthopedic surgery.
Meniscal tear treatment options include non-surgical and surgical
Meniscal tears that are small and located in the outer portion of the meniscus may not require surgery. Athletes are familiar with the RICE protocol, the acronym for rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
The simple act of resting the injury, alternating ice packs for 20 minutes several times a day, using an elastic band to compress the injured area, and elevating the leg may be all that is needed to heal. Ibuprofen or aspirin could also reduce pain and swelling.
In the case of a more complicated tear, orthopedic surgeons may perform knee arthroscopy with a miniature camera and surgical instruments to trim or repair the meniscal tear. Rehabilitation exercises at home or with a physical therapist after initial healing will help restore range of motion.
Meniscal tears are one of the most common knee injuries, but treatment options vary depending on location of the injury, size of the tear, and age and activity level of the patient.
Putting off treatment of meniscal tears can result in more serious complications that can be avoided by a simple visit to sports medicine doctors or orthopedic surgeons in Asheboro, NC.
by: Shirley G. Dudley
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