Meniscus Tear

What is a meniscus tear?

A meniscus tear is a debilitating injury that affects the mobility of the knee. Therefore, a meniscal tear is a common cartilage injury affecting the knee. A meniscus is a cartilage piece found inside the knee that stabilises and protects the joint from general wear and tear.

What are the signs?

Typical signs of a torn meniscus include the following:

• Knee pain
• Swelling in the knee
• A popping feeling at the time of an injury
• Trouble bending or extending the knee
• Locked-up knee

What causes a meniscus tear?

Meniscal tears are likely to occur as a result of playing contact sports such as soccer and volleyball. These injuries happen when you suddenly change direction when running and tend to co-occur with injuries affecting the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

Generally, the meniscus degrades due to age, making it more susceptible to possible tears. Normally, people over sixty-five are at increased risk of meniscal tears.

How does Dr du Toit treat a meniscus tear?

Treatment for a torn meniscus depends on the extent of the tear as well as its location. The type of treatment plan Dr du Toit decides to initiate depends on prior related medical injuries, your activity level and age. A small tear is likely to heal without surgical intervention because the outer part of the meniscus has a relatively healthy blood supply and is known as the “red zone”. Conversely, the area referred to as the “white zone” is about two-thirds of the portion of the meniscus that does not have sufficient blood supply to heal independently.

Meniscus repair can be done minimally invasively by means of arthroscopic surgery. A few incisions are made over the knee, and a bendable tube (arthroscope) is placed through one of the tiny openings. The camera at the end of the tube transmits images of the meniscus to a monitor in the doctor’s room. Using these images, Dr du Toit can determine the extent of damage to the meniscus and make the necessary repairs.