Torn Meniscus
What is Torn Meniscus?
A tear of a meniscus is a rupturing of one or more of the fibrocartilage strips in the knee called menisci. Menisci can be torn during mild activities, such as walking or squatting, or by traumatic force encountered in sports or other forms of physical exertion. The traumatic action is most often a twisting movement at the knee while the leg is bent. In older adults, the meniscus can be damaged following prolonged “wear and tear” (typically referred to as a degenerative tear).
Tears can lead to pain and/or swelling of the knee joint. Acute injuries, in particular, can lead to displaced tears that can cause mechanical symptoms such as clicking, catching or locking during motion of the knee joint. The joint will be in pain when in use, but when there is no load, the pain goes away.
Who is Affected?
Athletes, particularly those who play contact sports, are at danger for menisci tears. However, anyone at any age could tear a meniscus. More women than men are affected.
What are Options for Treatment?
As with other conditions associated with damaged ligaments and tendons that support the joint, a torn meniscus may be missed on MRI and a hands-on physical exam is necessary for proper diagnosis.
Meniscus tissue rarely heals on its own as it is an avascular structure – meaning it has a very limited blood supply. However, the symptoms of most meniscal tears can be improved with non-operative treatment. At the Magaziner Center for Wellness, we use prolotherapy to stabilize the joint and may inject platelet rich plasma (PRP) – developed using the patient’s own blood – into the joint to help provide vascularity and healing factors into the damaged areas. If necessary, stem cells extracted from fat and bone marrow combined with fat grafts can greatly enhance the healing process and help a patient recover without surgery.