Football is one of the toughest sports out there and leaves players more likely for injury. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, or AAOS, meniscal tears are one of the most common knee injuries and often happen during contact sports such as football. A few factors make football players more likely to tear the meniscus cartilage. Treatment depends on the severity and type of tear.
About the Meniscus
According to the AAOS, the meniscus actually is two pieces of cartilage in the knee that help stabilize the joint and cushion movements. The AAOS describes the meniscus cartilage as "tough and rubbery" for its role as a shock absorber. The meniscus attaches to the three knee ligaments, and the AAOS notes that meniscal tears often happen in conjunction with ligament tears in the knee.
Meniscal Tears in Football
The AAOS says meniscal tears happen in actions such as twisting, cutting, pivoting and stopping. Football players are even more at risk because squatting and twisting the knee, two common football actions, make tears more likely. In addition, direct contact from tackling or blocking often is involved in a meniscus injury.
Types of Tears
The meniscus can tear in different ways depending on the location of the injury, severity and individual athlete. According to the AAOS, tears are designated by their shape and the location in the meniscus that is torn. Common tears include the longitudinal, parrot beak and mixed complex.
Treatment and Recovery
Whether surgery is required for a torn meniscus depends on the location and severity of the injury. According to the AAOS, tears on the outside third of the meniscus often heal on their own, while tears on the inner two-thirds require surgical treatment. Surgery is performed by arthroscope with the damaged cartilage being trimmed away with a burring device according to Physio Room.com. Recovery usually takes four to six weeks. The AAOS says athletes often are able to return to their pre-injury abilities.
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