What is Meniscus?

What is Meniscus?

Table of Contents

• What are the Symptoms of Meniscus Tears?
• What are the Causes of Meniscus Injuries?
• How is Meniscus Diagnosed?
• What are the Imaging Methods in Meniscus Diagnosis?
• Meniscus Treatment
• Non-Surgical Treatments of Meniscus Tears
• Surgical Treatment of Meniscus Tears

Meniscus is a condition that occurs as a result of tearing or damage to the cartilage pads in the knee. Menisci are C-shaped structures between the thigh bone and the shin bone that form the knee joint.

The functions of the meniscus are as follows: 

• To provide stability of the knee joint
• Increase the lubrication of the knee joint
• Distribute and absorb the load on the knee joint
• To ensure the harmony of the articular surfaces forming the knee joint
• Contributing to the protection of knee cartilage

The meniscus is an important structure for knee health. If left untreated, meniscus disorders can cause complications such as calcification and joint inflammation in the knee joint. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment of meniscus diseases is important.

What are the Symptoms of Meniscus Tears?

Meniscus tears are a condition that occurs as a result of crushing or tearing of the menisci, which are located in the knee joint and act as a cushion. Meniscus tears can develop due to weakening of the meniscus tissue, especially during sports activities or with age.

The most common symptoms of meniscus tears are as follows: 

• Knee pain: In people with meniscal tears, knee pain usually increases with movement and decreases with rest. The pain may be localized on the inside or outside of the knee. The pain may be more pronounced with knee-bending movements such as climbing up and down stairs and using the toilet.
• Swelling and tenderness in the knee: As a result of a meniscus tear, there may be inflammation and increased joint fluid in the knee joint. This can cause swelling and tenderness in the knee. Swelling usually occurs a few hours after the injury and can last for several days or weeks.
• Limitation of movement in the knee: People with a meniscal tear may find it difficult to fully bend or straighten the knee. The knee may feel locked or stuck in one spot. This may be caused by the torn meniscus getting stuck in the joint space.
• Noises coming from inside the knee: People with a meniscus tear may hear crunching, clicking or banging sounds when the knee is moved. These sounds can be caused by the friction of the injured parts of the meniscus against the joint surfaces.

What are the Causes of Meniscus Injuries?

Menisci in the knee joint can be defined as cartilage structures that provide knee stability and absorb shock. There are two menisci in the knee: the inner meniscus and the outer meniscus. These menisci can be injured or worn out over time in traumatic situations such as excessive bending, twisting or impacting the knee.

Causes of meniscus injuries include the following:

• Sports activities: Sudden movements or impacts of the knee during sports such as soccer, basketball, tennis, skiing can lead to meniscus injury. The risk of meniscus tear increases, especially in cases where the weight on the knee increases or the knee is strained.
• Aging:The flexibility and strength of the menisci decrease with age. This causes the menisci to tear or damage more easily. Meniscus injury in the elderly can often occur even with simple non-traumatic movements.
• Overuse: Activities such as constant bending, flexing or heavy lifting of the knee can wear and fatigue the menisci. This can predispose to meniscus injury.
• Congenital problems:Some people may have a different shape or number of menisci than normal.This can impair the function of the menisci and make them more prone to injury.

How is a Meniscus Diagnosed?

Physical examination: Your doctor will perform a physical examination to assess the condition and mobility of your knee. He or she will also ask about the location and severity of pain in your knee. Your doctor may also perform some tests specific to a meniscus tear. For example, the McMurray test checks for noise, snapping and pain in the meniscus by bending and rotating your knee.

Imaging methods: After a physical examination, your doctor may order imaging methods to determine the size and location of the meniscus tear. These include ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). X-rays do not show the meniscus itself but can reveal damage to the bones or arthritis. Ultrasound shows the structure and blood flow of the meniscus. MRI provides a detailed view of the meniscus as well as other soft tissues.

What are the Imaging Methods in Meniscus Diagnosis?

Your doctor will first perform a physical examination to diagnose a meniscus tear. During the physical examination, he will try to assess the severity and location of the meniscus tear by bending, straightening and rotating your knee. For this purpose, some tests such as McMurray, Apley and Steinman can be applied.

In addition to physical examination, imaging methods are also used to diagnose the meniscus. The most preferred imaging methods are Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Knee X-ray.

Knee X-ray shows the bone structure in the knee joint. The meniscus cannot be directly visualized with a knee x-ray, but calcification in the knee and related conditions can be evaluated.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an extremely important method in terms of visualizing the meniscus. With MRI, the shape, size, location and degree of tear of the meniscus can be determined. MRI also shows the condition of other soft tissues in the knee (ligaments, muscles, cartilages).

In some cases, a procedure called arthroscopy can also be used to diagnose the meniscus. Arthroscopy is a procedure in which a small camera is inserted into the knee joint. Arthroscopy allows direct visualization of the meniscus and other joint structures. Arthroscopy can be performed for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Meniscus Treatment

Meniscus treatment depends on the severity of the injury and the person's lifestyle. Some meniscus injuries can heal with conservative treatment. Conservative treatment includes methods such as ice application, rest, knee brace use and physical therapy. More serious meniscus injuries that do not heal with conservative treatment may require surgical treatment. Surgical treatment refers to the complete or partial removal or suturing of the meniscus.

The recovery process after meniscus treatment also varies from person to person. Generally, those who recover with conservative treatment can return to normal activities within 4-6 weeks, while those who undergo surgical treatment may take 3-6 months. During the recovery process, it is important to follow the doctor's recommendations and stick to the exercise program.

Meniscus treatment is necessary to maintain knee health and prevent future complications. To prevent meniscus injuries, it may be helpful to strengthen the knees, keep them flexible and use appropriate sports equipment.

Non-Surgical Treatments of Meniscus Tears

Non-surgical methods include rest, ice application, bandaging and physical therapy. These methods may be preferred in patients with small meniscal tears or in pediatric patients. In order to heal a meniscus tear with non-surgical methods, it is important not to overload the knee area and to keep the leg elevated.

Surgical Treatment of Meniscus Tears

Surgical treatment methods can be complete or partial removal of the meniscus (meniscectomy) or suturing of the meniscus (meniscoplasty). These methods are performed with arthroscopic surgery. Arthroscopic surgery is a procedure performed by entering the knee joint through small incisions and using a camera and surgical instruments. With arthroscopic surgery, an appropriate treatment option is applied according to the condition of the meniscus.

Meniscectomy is the removal of the torn part of the meniscus. Since there is blood flow only in the outer part of the meniscus, tears in the inner part usually do not heal and need to be removed. In the meniscectomy procedure, the intact meniscus tissue is preserved and a new C-shape is given. Meniscoplasty is the process of repairing the meniscus by suturing it. Tears in the outer part of the meniscus can be sutured and healed because there is blood flow. In meniscoplasty, the natural structure of the meniscus is preserved.

The recovery process of patients after treatment of meniscal tears may vary.