Facts for Patients that Have a Meniscal Tear in Newtown Square

Stability during activity is something that individuals take for granted until it is compromised.

The systems in the knee provide seamless support for the body’s movement. Jumping, shuffling, darting, running—these actions impact the knee’s structural elements and the shock produced by this movement must be absorbed by the cartilage. The meniscus is a cushioning device. Injury to the meniscus happens by forceful contact to the knee. The solutions for patients with a meniscal tear in Newtown Square can be found at your local Rothman Orthopaedic Institute office.

Meniscal Knee Anatomy

Within in each knee, there are two menisci—the medial meniscus located on outside of the knee and the lateral meniscus that sits in the inner region. Shaped like a half moon, they reside between the femur and the tibia up next to the patella.

The anatomy of the meniscus is characterized by its curved and wedge-like form. It cups the femur to provide stability. Both menisci loosely cross in the middle and are situated within the knee joint along its periphery.

Meniscal Tear Categories

Meniscal tears are determined by location and severity. A portion of the meniscus has access to the body’s blood supply. The remainder is avascular and does not have the aid of the body’s blood vessels for healing. Thus, medical intervention is often necessary to assist with a meniscus restoration. During an evaluation, a Newtown Square orthopaedic doctor will determine the right type of treatment plan for the affected meniscus region.

Severity relates to the type of tear and whether it is: minor, moderate or severe. A meniscus tear can originate in either a traumatic or a degenerative way. For a traumatic tear to occur, the cartilage must be hit with a force it could not withstand or twisted in such a way that would cause damage. Degenerative tears are the wearing down of the meniscus cartilage over longer periods of time that may go unnoticed until minor trauma may prompt tearing. The origin of an injury and its severity impacts treatment options.

Newtown Square Treatment Options

Armed with the results from both x-rays and an MRI, a treatment plan will be devised based on the individual’s injury condition, medical history, level of physical activity, and individual preferences. Nonsurgical treatments must be conducted simultaneously over time so that restoration of strength, mobility, and stability can be achieved. These may consist of resting including the use of mobility devices such as crutches, icing, compression with a bandage or brace, and elevation. Physical therapy may be introduced over time as the healing progresses. It is important to follow all treatments prescribed by your doctor.

Surgical treatment will be recommended by a doctor in situations where meniscus tear symptoms persist. The most common surgical method is knee arthroscopy. An orthopaedic surgeon will make a small incision to reach the meniscus utilizing a miniature camera and surgical tools to either trim the meniscus in a partial meniscectomy or will stitch the tear with a meniscus repair.

Finding a neighborhood orthopaedic specialist is easy with Rothman Orthopaedic Institute. For those suffering from a meniscal tear in Newtown Square, we have experienced and dedicated physicians right around the corner that serve thousands of patients like you every year. For more information, please visit us here or contact us at 1-800-321-9999.