Meniscus injuries – causes, symptoms & therapy

There are different types of meniscus injuries. The knee joint does not consist of a single joint, but of a total of three. The joints are held together by ligaments and tendons. The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that sits between the individual joints and ensures that weight is distributed and shock is absorbed. A distinction is made between the outer and inner meniscus.

In most cases, the existence of the meniscus is only consciously perceived as soon as it is injured and no longer works properly. Certain movements put more strain on the meniscus than others, putting you at risk of injuring it. They include climbing stairs, skiing, tennis and soccer. But even without external influences, the meniscus wears out over the course of life and can therefore cause problems in later stages of life.

Causes

An acute meniscus lesion occurs in many cases in sports accidents . The inner meniscus is injured more often than the outer one. The cause is a twisting of the knee joint when the knee is bent. In addition to lesions, other types of injuries can affect the meniscus and be far more uncomfortable. While a contusion heals quickly, a meniscus tear requires a higher level of regeneration.The cause of the meniscus tear can be divided into two categories. In about fifty percent of cases, wear and tear of the fabric is responsible for a tear. The resistance of the meniscus decreases due to the breakdown of the cartilage, which means that even minor external influences can lead to a tear. Cartilage wear is common with age. However, it can be particularly intense in athletes, construction workers or tilers, for example, whose everyday life requires a high load on the knee.

The second cause is injuries. While the cartilage tissue can deal well with vertical loads, it is particularly diagonal forces that can cause the tissue to tear. Twisting and falling injuries are one of the most common causes, and direct violence to the entire knee joint can also injure the meniscus.

symptoms and course

Typical symptoms of meniscus injuries:

• pressure pain

• movement pain

• swelling

• bruise

Injuries, especially tears , of the meniscus are suddenly expressed in severe pain. These are particularly intense during rotary movements and under pressure. The knee swells from the bruise and is less mobile. Walking and standing is severely affected or is sometimes no longer possible. Stretch and flexion restrictions can occur.

Most of the complaints, especially the pain, affect the inner part of the knee and less external parts. The severe pain prompts the majority of those affected to seek medical attention, which is also essential for the injury to heal. If left untreated, the tear can enlarge and damage ligaments and articular cartilage. A meniscus tear symbolizes the beginning of arthrosis and, if left untreated, can accelerate the destruction of the knee joint.

Diagnose

The first step in the diagnosis is to work out the exact course of the accident. The knee is then tested through twisting and bending exercises. If the doctor decides that it could be a meniscus injury, X-rays help to find out more. However, magnetic resonance tomography is better than x-rays of the affected knee . In addition to the bones, cartilage and soft tissue can also be seen. If the ambiguity remains as to whether there really is a meniscus injury, this can be seen at the latest by examining the knee.

treatment and therapy

Therapy depends on the type and intensity of the injury. While bruises usually heal on their own, a tear may require surgery. This is determined by the size and location of the tear as well as the individual pain and physical fitness . Minor tears that cause few problems are often treated with immobilization. This is followed by physiotherapy exercises to completely regenerate the meniscus.

However, if there is a larger tear, surgery is required. This usually takes place during an arthroscopy , during which the patient is given a partial or general anesthetic . The aim of the operation is to preserve the meniscus as much as possible. However, one of the surgical methods is the partial removal of the tissue. This is used when large parts of the meniscus are destroyed. If the meniscus is almost completely torn or torn, a partial meniscus implant helps to reduce long-term pain.

For less severe tears, the surgeon may choose to suture the meniscus. It is performed by several small pins or a thread and is especially intended for younger, active people. The material of the aids is selected in such a way that the body can later break it down and no foreign bodies remain. However, the surgical methods are rarely used strictly separately. Instead, a combination of both helps to maintain the patient’s mobility as best as possible and to save as much healthy cartilage tissue as the situation allows.

prevention

A meniscus injury can be achieved by protecting the tissue. Sports and movements that put a lot of stress on the knees should be avoided. These include skiing, tennis and soccer, but kneeling can also be harmful. Sports that involve a lot of endurance runs should only be practiced with good, cushioning footwear. The meniscus can be strengthened by targeted muscle building , which reduces the susceptibility of the tissue.