A meniscal deficiency is the breakdown of the knee joint due to the absence of the meniscus. The meniscus is the fibrocartilage ring that sits between the femur and the tibia which protects the knee, stabilizes it, nourishes it, and acts like a shock absorber between the bones. This can greatly contribute to the onset of arthritis and/or cause the misalignment of the bones in the knee joint.
Symptoms
- Pain
- Swelling
- Locking, catching, or a “grating” feeling
- Stiffness
Causes
- Normal wear and tear
- A previous injury or surgery
Risk factors
- Older age
- Obesity or overweight
- Misaligned bones in the knee
Prevention
- Weight loss
Diagnosis
- Physician examination
- X-ray to check the alignment of the bones and the presence of arthritis
- MRI to confirm meniscal deficiency and look for ligamentous injury
- Bone scan to check the level of stress the bones are withstanding where the meniscus is missing
Treatment
- Meniscal transplant surgery- if young or early diagnosis where arthritis is not detected
- Total knee replacement
