Meniscus injury is another common knee injury suffered by athletes participating in all sports in addition to those of us leading a more sedentary lifestyle. The meniscus is a durable “cushion” inside the knee joint meant to provide shock absorption and stability, protecting the integrity of the cartilage lining of the bones. Like many tissues in our bodies, the meniscus weakens over time, becoming more susceptible to tearing, most commonly during sports requiring weight-bearing, pivoting and jumping. However, in many patients the meniscus tears with no history of injury or participation in sports.
Many people hear or feel a “popping” sound when they tear their meniscus. The knee will gradually swell and become stiff. However, immediately after a meniscus injury most people can still walk on the knee.
Meniscus Injury Symptoms
Common symptoms of meniscus tear include pain, stiffness and swelling, catching or locking of the knee, decreased range-of-motion and a feeling of giving way or instability. Depending on the patient’s activity level, a wide variety of surgical and non-surgical treatment options exist.
Knee Arthroscopy Gallery
To see images of meniscus repair surgery and other surgeries of the knee, please visit our knee arthroscopy image gallery.
If you have a meniscus injury or torn meniscus, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Millstein to learn more about treatment options.
