Unheeded Meniscus Tear Cause Calcification!
ASSOC. DR. TULUHAN YUNUS EMRE Meniscus tears, generally known as athlete's disease, can be seen in anyone who has forced the knee in any way.
Meniscus tear, which manifests itself with symptoms such as pain, swelling in the knee, etc.
Pay attention to bumps and excessive knee strain!
Meniscus is one of the most frequently injured areas of the body. The meniscus is the cartilage in the middle of the knee joint. This structure is a hard, flat and rubbery texture. It covers the joint surface and supports it like a pillow. There are two meniscus in the knee, one on the inner part (inner meniscus) and one on the outer part (outer meniscus). Menisci are thin pads present in the form of 'C' at the intersection of the two largest bones in the knee area. The rounded thighbone of the knee and the straight tibia have functions such as forming a harmonious joint, carrying the load, being able to rotate in many directions, and maintaining the balance of power between the thighbone and tibia. Meniscus tear may occur when your body turns strongly while your knees are slightly bent and loaded on it. Especially in advanced ages, the injury we call degenerate tear occurs in this way.
The voices coming from the knee can be a sign of tearing
Voices from inside the knee, the feeling of being stuck and locking may be the first signs of a tear. You will have pain in the knee joint. Swelling may occur in the knee joint immediately or after a few hours, depending on the meniscus area where the rupture is. You may not be able to fully bend or straighten your knee. Your knee may be locked or stuck at some point. Swelling may occur in the knee joint immediately or after a few hours, depending on the meniscus area where the rupture is. Swelling in the knee, limitation of movement, severe pain after a certain angle is a symptom of meniscus tear.
Meniscus tears should not be taken simply!
Early diagnosis is important in the diagnosis of meniscus. Seeing a doctor in a short time is the best choice, and the pain that comes with small blows to the knee should be taken seriously. Prolonged tearing of the cartilage and not receiving any treatment in return can cause cartilage damage and calcification in the knee. Likewise, it is very important to know the disease well. If deemed necessary during the treatment phase, MRI and diagnostic arthroscopy can be performed.
Surgical method in persistent pain!
There are 4 important applications in the treatment of meniscus.
- Rest
- Ice compress
- Bandage
- Keeping the knee above the body
Along with all these treatment options, pain medications are recommended to relieve pain and swelling. Physical therapy and muscle strengthening exercises can be used. Due to the insufficient blood supply of the meniscus, there is no improvement, especially in degenerate tears. In cases where the pain persists, surgical intervention is recommended. Although the removal of the ruptured meniscus is the most common method, such interventions result in the patient facing calcification and cartilage erosion problems. Meniscal tears can be repaired arthroscopically in non-degenerate tears. It takes time to load the repair process with open surgery. After arthroscopic meniscus tear excision, patients can walk within 3-5 hours and start sports within 1 month. Surgical intervention is required for complaints such as pain and stuck. Let's not forget that the meniscus is one of the primary tissues that prevents cartilage tissue erosion and calcification. Our general view is that meniscus repair in young patients is the part that causes symptoms in elderly patients, and arthroscopic removal of the meniscus.
