Medial Cartilage Meniscus Injury

How is the medial meniscus injured?

The medial meniscus is less mobile than the lateral meniscus because it is connected to the joint capsule and to the medial collateral ligament and so is more likely to suffer injury. Forces such as from a rugby tackle can cause great damage to it. Damage to the anterior cruciate ligament my be associated with damage to the medal meniscus. Damage can also be down toOther mechanisms of injury may be twisting of the knee or degenerative changes that are associated with age. Any of these circumstances may lead to tearing of the medial meniscus, which in serious cases may require surgical intervention.

What are the symptoms of an injury of the medial meniscus?

• A history of trauma or twisting of the knee
• The inner surface of the knee joint may be painful
• Once injured there will be swelling within 2 days
• Pain or clicking in the knee and an inability to fully bend the knee.
• A positive sign (pain and/or clicking noise) during a "McMurrays test"
• the knee may 'lock'
• Inability to weight bear on the affected side

What are the types of meniscal injuries?

• Degenerative Changes: This may lead to edges of the menisci becoming frayed and jagged
• Longitudical Tears: This is a tear that occurs along the length of the meniscus
• Bucket- Handle Tears: This is an exaggerated form of a longitudical tear where a portion of the meniscus becomes detached from the tibia forming a flap that looks like a bucket handle
  

Useful Products:

• Cold Therapy - apply ice or cold therapy to the site of injury to ease pain.
• Knee Braces - help to support and protect the knee, reducing the risk of further injury.

Please see the Virtual Sports Injury Clinic for more information on how to treat Medial Cartilage Meniscus Injury