The knee joint is the largest joint in the human body, and because the joint is used so much, it is prone to injury, says the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. One of the most common knee injuries is a meniscus tear, which can happen at any age. If you think you may have a lateral meniscus tear, see your doctor for an examination and diagnosis.
Knee Joint
The knee joint consists of the meeting of three bones: the femur, tibia and kneecap, or patella. Wedges of cartilage, called menisci, between the femur and the tibia help absorb shock and stabilize the joint. The meniscus on the outside of the knee joint is the lateral meniscus, and the meniscus on the inside of the joint is the medial meniscus. Tears in these pieces of cartilage can vary from very mild to extremely severe, and magnetic resonance imaging can help diagnose the extent of the tear.
Treatment of a Meniscus Tear
Meniscus tears are typically classified into three grades. Grades 1 and 2 are not usually serious, but a grade 3 tear is a true tear, for which surgery is typically necessary, states Cedars-Sinai. Based on the size and location of the tear, one surgery option may be more appropriate than another. Arthroscopic repair is a minimally invasive procedure that repairs the tear using an arthroscope and connects the torn pieces of the meniscus. An arthroscopic partial meniscectomy removes a small piece of the injured meniscus to restore normal movement of the knee, and a total meniscectomy involves removing the entire meniscus, explains Cedars-Sinai.
Rehabilitation of Lateral Meniscus Tears
After surgery for a lateral meniscus tear, your doctor may have you wear a brace or cast to immobilize it. Once it is safe, your doctor may prescribe physical therapy for your knee to restore mobility and regain strength, says the AAOS. Exercises to regain range of motion in your knee may include knee flexion and extension exercises, squats and step-ups, states Athleticadvisor.com. Your doctor or physical therapist will be able to tailor your rehabilitation routine for your situation and show you how to safely do the exercises.
Warnings
If you have symptoms of a meniscus tear, like knee pain, swelling, locking of the knee joint and impaired range of motion, see your health care provider to get an accurate diagnosis. Many people can still walk around after a minor meniscus tear, but if it is not treated, pieces of cartilage can detach and go into the joint, causing severe joint problems, says the AAOS. Do not try to treat a lateral meniscus tear yourself; follow the rehabilitation your doctor or physical therapist prescribes to avoid further injury.
