Meniscal tear treatment, provided by a knee injury doctor in Lahore

The knee meniscus, which is also known as the articular meniscus are two C-shaped pieces of cartilage located within the knee joint. One piece of meniscus is located on the inner side of the knee called the medial meniscus and the other one is on the outer side of the knee known as the lateral meniscus. In case of any damage to the meniscus, the knee injury doctor in Lahore can be consulted for immediate diagnosis and treatment. 

Role of a meniscus

The menisci are composed of fibrocartilage, which is tough and flexible cartilage. It is positioned between the joining point of the thigh bone and shinbone serving an important purpose when a knee joint is moved. Here mentioned significant purpose the knee meniscus serves:

• Aid in load distribution when various types of force and weight are applied to the knee joint during movement such as running, jumping, walking, or pivoting. By spreading the load over a larger surface area, the meniscus lowers stress on the knee cartilage thus preventing excessive wear and tear of the joint surface. 
• As per the knee injury doctor in Lahore, the meniscus acts as a shock absorber. They act as a cushion to prevent the harsh effects of impact forces during weight-bearing activities.
• Keep intact joint stability by ensuring proper alignment between the bones that make up the knee joint i.e. femur and tibia. It prevents excessive movement or displacement of the knee joint beyond the limit.
• As the meniscus moves the synovial fluid secreted by the synovial membrane in the knee joint is spread evenly across the joint surface. This lubrication helps to reduce friction between the joint surfaces, allowing for smooth and pain-free movement. 
• The meniscus contains sensory nerve endings, which provide feedback to the brain about the position and movement of the knee joint. This feedback is known as proprioception which is essential for coordinating muscle activity and maintaining balance during activities. The meniscus helps provide sensory information that maintains joint stability and control.

Reason for a meniscus tear

Meniscus tears are crucial and affect joint stability. A sudden rotation of the knee joint, and abrupt twisting which may occur during sports activities, can cause meniscus tears. Such tears can also develop gradually over time due to degenerative changes or a disease such as arthritis. Older people are more liable to get meniscus tears. Moreover, sports involving cutting, pivoting, or sudden changes in direction put the athletes more at risk of getting knee meniscus injuries. A hip replacement surgeon in Pakistan held hip joint issues responsible for meniscus tears because a damaged hip joint alters the movement pattern of the lower body putting stress on the knee meniscus. 

Signs your consultant looks for

On reaching the knee injury doctor in Lahore, you are examined physically to check for the following symptoms:

• Pain is felt in the affected knee that is sharp and worsens with joint movement or putting weight on the knees. 
• Swelling is commonly encountered as a major symptom of a meniscus tear. It may dwell immediately after the tear or develop gradually after a few days of injury.
• Sensations such as locking or catching during movement are noticed. This occurs when a torn piece of meniscus is trapped between the bones of the knee joint hindering the regular motion of a joint.
• The patient is unable to bend and straighten the knee, the joint feels stiff. 
• The Joint becomes unstable due to damage to the meniscus that provides stability to the knee joint.
• 

Diagnosis 

The knee injury doctor in Lahore gives a physical examination of the affected knee, asks questions to explore the reason behind it, inquires about the patient’s medical history, or recommends imaging tests for internal evaluation. 

• Patient History

The orthopedist will begin by discussing the patient’s symptoms and medical history. They will inquire about the specific knee symptoms, such as pain, swelling, clicking or locking sensations, and any history of knee injuries or previous knee problems.

1. Physical Examination

The orthopedist will perform a thorough physical examination of the knee. This may involve observing the knee for signs of swelling, bruising, or deformities. They will assess the range of motion, stability, and specific movements that stimulate pain or other symptoms.

1. Imaging tests

Imaging tests are often used to evaluate the internal condition and assess the extent of damage that occurred. The most common imaging techniques include:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): An MRI scan provides detailed images of the knee structures, including the menisci. It can help visualize the location, size, and severity of the meniscal tear.
• X-rays: X-rays are primarily used to rule out other potential causes of knee pain, such as fractures or bone abnormalities. While they do not directly visualize the meniscus, they can provide information about the overall structure and alignment of the knee joint.

1. Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy is conducted by the knee injury doctor in Lahore when further evaluation is needed or other diagnostic tests are unclear. This is a minimally invasive procedure where a small camera (arthroscope) is inserted into the knee joint to directly visualize the meniscus and other structures. It allows for a precise diagnosis and may be followed by a therapeutic arthroscopic surgery to repair or remove the meniscal tear.

Treatment strategy adopted by knee injury doctor in Lahore

The treatment for meniscus tears depends on several factors, including the type, size, location, and severity of the tear, as well as the patient’s age, activity level, and overall knee health. The orthopedist will consider these factors when determining the most appropriate treatment approach. Here are the common treatment options for meniscus tears:

Non-surgical approach

• Rice therapy

1. Rest is for rest: Avoid activities that aggravate the symptoms and do not put weight on the affected knee. 
2. I is for ice: Applying ice packs to the knee to reduce pain and swelling.
3. C is for compression: Using compression bandages or wraps to provide support and reduce swelling.
4. E is for elevation: Elevating the leg to reduce swelling.

• Medications

Pain relief and anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed by the knee injury doctor in Lahore to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

• Physical therapy

A physical therapist can guide the patient through exercises to strengthen the surrounding muscles, improve joint stability, and restore range of motion.

Surgical options

Arthroscopic Surgery

Under severe conditions, meniscal Repair is conducted. The orthopedic surgeon repairs the torn meniscus using sutures or anchors. This allows the meniscus to heal naturally.

Partial Meniscectomy

If the tear cannot be repaired, the surgeon may perform a partial meniscectomy, where the damaged portion of the meniscus is removed while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. This helps alleviate symptoms and improves knee function.

Total meniscectomy

In rare cases where the meniscus is severely damaged or irreparable, a total meniscectomy may be performed. This involves removing the entire meniscus. However, this option is typically avoided if possible, as it can lead to long-term complications such as increased joint stress and a higher risk of osteoarthritis.

Rehabilitation

A rehabilitation program is essential to optimize the healing procedure. It includes physical therapy focuses on strengthening the muscles around the knee, improving range of motion, and restoring functional mobility. It may include exercises, manual therapy, modalities, and a gradual return to activities.

Ending lines

The treatment plan varies from patient to patient and depends on the austerity of the tear. The knee injury doctor in Lahore will determine the most suitable approach after considering the patient’s specific condition. It’s essential for individuals with meniscus tears to follow their orthopedist’s recommendations, engage in rehabilitation, and take measures to prevent further injury.

FAQs

What is a meniscal tear?

A meniscal tear is a common knee injury that occurs when the cartilage (meniscus) in the knee joint gets torn or damaged. The meniscus acts as a cushion between the thighbone (femur) and shinbone (tibia) and helps stabilize the knee joint.

Can a meniscal tear heal on its own?

In some cases, small meniscal tears may heal on their own with rest, proper rehabilitation, and conservative treatments. However, larger or more severe tears may require surgical intervention for proper healing.

How long does it take to recover from a meniscal tear?

Recovery time for a meniscal tear can vary depending on the severity of the tear, the chosen treatment approach, and individual factors. Recovery may take weeks or several months. Rehabilitation and physical therapy are often crucial components of the recovery process.

What are the symptoms of a meniscal tear?

Prominent symptoms include pain and swelling with joint stiffness. Sensations like locking or catching are felt in the knee joint. The patient finds difficulty in fully straightening the knee and the knee become unstable.