Meniscus Tear
What is a Meniscus Tear?
Meniscus Tears are injuries to the cartilage in the knee that act as shock absorbers between the thighbone (femur) and the shinbone (tibia). These tears are common in sports that involve twisting or pivoting movements, but they can also occur due to ageing or degeneration.
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Grade I (Mild):
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Injury Details: Minor fraying or softening of the meniscus without a full tear.
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Grade II (Moderate/Partial Tear):
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Injury Details: A more significant tear, but not extending through the entire thickness of the meniscus.
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Grade III (Severe/Complete Tear):
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Injury Details: A full-thickness tear, which can cause pieces of the meniscus to become displaced within the knee joint.
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Mechanism of Injury:
Meniscus tears usually occur due to twisting or rotating the knee under load, such as:
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Sudden Twisting Movements: Pivoting sharply, especially while the foot is planted, can tear the meniscus.
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Deep Knee Bends or Squats: These movements, particularly under weight, can stress and tear the meniscus.
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Direct Impact: A blow to the knee, such as from a tackle in football or rugby, can cause a tear.
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Degeneration: In older adults, the meniscus can weaken over time, leading to tears from relatively minor stresses or injuries.
Symptoms
Grade I (Mild)​
​Symptoms: Mild pain and discomfort, with little to no impact on knee stability or movement. Swelling may be minimal.
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Grade II (Moderate/Partial Tear)
​Symptoms: Moderate pain, swelling, and a possible feeling of the knee catching or locking. Activities that involve twisting the knee may be painful.
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Grade III (Severe/Complete Tear)
​Symptoms: Severe pain, significant swelling, and mechanical symptoms like locking or buckling of the knee. The knee may feel unstable and unable to bear weight.
Treatment
Grade I Treatment:​
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Physical Therapy: Focuses on strengthening the muscles around the knee to provide support and improve flexibility.
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Rest and Activity Modification: Avoid activities that stress the knee while gradually returning to normal activities.
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Rehabilitation Plan: Includes exercises to maintain knee strength and flexibility, with a focus on preventing further injury.
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Grade II Treatment:
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Non-Surgical: May include physical therapy, bracing, and activity modification.
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Surgical: In cases of persistent pain or mechanical symptoms, arthroscopic surgery may be necessary to trim or repair the torn meniscus.
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Rehabilitation Plan: Post-surgery or therapy, a comprehensive program focusing on restoring full knee function, including strength, flexibility, and stability exercises.
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Grade III Treatment:
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Surgical: Arthroscopic surgery is often required to repair or remove the torn portion of the meniscus.
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Post-Surgery Rehabilitation: Intensive physical therapy to regain knee function, with exercises tailored to restore range of motion, strength, and stability.
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Dry Needling: Used on surrounding muscles to relieve tension and enhance blood flow, aiding in recovery.
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Ultrasound Therapy: Helps reduce inflammation and promotes healing of the soft tissues around the knee.
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Massage: Focused on the quadriceps and hamstring muscles to relieve tightness and improve knee flexibility.
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Hot Stones: Applied to relax surrounding muscles and reduce pain during recovery.
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Cupping: Enhances circulation around the knee, supporting healing and reducing muscle tightness. Avoid direct application over surgical sites.