Meniscus Injury

A sudden sports mishap or the gradual wear and tear of your knees can result in a meniscus injury. A torn meniscus is a painful condition that limits your range of motion and disrupts your everyday activities.

Causes of meniscus tears

A meniscus tear can happen due to various reasons.

Sudden movement

Lifting, twisting or rotating of the knee from sports or other activities.

Degeneration

Gradual wear and tear over time, common in ageing individuals.

Symptoms of meniscus tear

Identifying a potential meniscus tear involves paying attention to its signs and symptoms. Here are some indicators that you might have a meniscus tear.

• Pain: Often felt along the joint line of the knee.
• Swelling: Immediate swelling or delayed swelling after an injury.
• Clicking or popping: Audible sounds during movement.
• Limited range of motion: Difficulty fully extending or

Risk factors for a meniscus tear

Several factors can increase the likelihood of a meniscus tear.

• Age: Age plays a role as the meniscus weakens and becomes more prone to tears as you age.
• Sports: Sports that involve aggressive twisting, pivoting, or sudden stops and starts can also contribute.
• Obesity: Extra weight stresses the knee, making it weaker and more vulnerable to injury.
• Previous knee injuries: Previous trauma to the knee may weaken the meniscus.

Non-surgical meniscus tear treatment options​

Meniscus injuries can be treated without surgery if the tear is small and does not cause significant symptoms.

• Physical therapy: Strengthening exercises to improve knee stability.
• Anti-inflammatory medications: Medications to alleviate pain and inflammation.

The success of non-surgical meniscus tear treatment depends on factors such as the size and location of the tear, as well as individual factors like age and activity level.

Meniscus tear surgery

When conservative methods prove insufficient, a meniscus tear surgery, known as arthroscopy, may be considered. Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive treatment to repair or remove the torn meniscus. The procedure is performed in the following order.

Arthroscopy

Small incisions are made to insert a tiny camera (arthroscope) into the knee. The camera inside the knee allows the surgeon to visualise the inside of the joint.

Repair or removal

Depending on the type, size, and location of the tear, the surgeon may either repair the torn meniscus by stitching the edges together or trim away the damaged part (partial meniscectomy).

Recovery

After surgery, a period of rehabilitation and physical therapy is necessary to regain strength, flexibility, and function in the knee.

Surgery is often recommended for larger tears, tears in certain areas of the meniscus with poor blood supply, or when conservative treatments have not been successful. The specific approach depends on the individual case and the surgeon's assessment.

When to see a doctor for meniscus injury

Seek a doctor when you experience pain, swelling, and difficulty moving your knee.

While not every meniscus injury requires immediate medical attention, seeing a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan is advisable. A doctor can perform a physical examination, may order imaging tests like an MRI, and provide guidance on the most appropriate course of action.

Even if the injury seems minor, seeking medical advice can help prevent potential complications and ensure that you receive the proper treatment, whether it's non-surgical methods or, in some cases, surgery.

How a meniscus tear is diagnosed

A doctor will typically diagnose a meniscus tear using the following methods.

• Medical history: Your doctor will note your symptoms when they started and if there was any specific injury or activity that preceded the pain.
• Physical examination: The doctor will physically check for tenderness, swelling, and range of motion.
• Imaging tests: While not always necessary, imaging tests like MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) can provide detailed images of the knee's soft tissues, helping to confirm the diagnosis and extent of the tear.

In some cases, X-rays may be done to rule out other potential causes of knee pain, such as fractures or arthritis.

Be open and honest with your doctor about your symptoms and potential causes. Your doctor will outline an appropriate treatment plan tailored to you based on the assessment.

Meniscus injury treatment in Singapore

A meniscus injury is a painful and debilitating condition that can put a stop to the activities you enjoy. Fortunately, seeking treatment can put you well on your way to recovery.

Cove Orthopaedic Clinic in Singapore offers comprehensive meniscus injury care, including advanced diagnostics, personalised treatment plans, and surgical interventions when necessary.

Book a consultation with our meniscus tear specialist to learn more about the treatment options and cost.