Meniscal Tears Flashcards

1
Q

What are the functions of the menisci on the knee

A

Shock absorbers

Increasing the articular surface

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2
Q

What is the medial meniscus attached to

A

Medial collateral ligament - important in the unhappy triad injury

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3
Q

What is the most common cause for meniscal tears

A

Trauma related - twisting of the knee whilst flexed

Degenerative disease

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4
Q

What is the most common type of meniscal tear

A

Longitudinal - sometimes Called the bucket handle tear

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5
Q

what are the different types of tears

A

Vertical

Longitudinal ( bucket handle )

Transverse ( parrot-beak )

Degenerative

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6
Q

What are the clincal feature of meniscal tears

A

Tearing sensation

Intense sudden onset pain

Slow swelling

In bucket handle type - may be locked in flexion

Joint line tenderness

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7
Q

What are the tests that you can carry out to test for meniscal tears

A

McMurrays test

Apleys grind test

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8
Q

What are the differential diagnosis

A

fracture, cruciate ligament tear, collateral ligament tear, and osteochondritis dissecans.

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9
Q

what are the investigations that you need to Carry out

A

First line - X rays - to exclude fracture

MRI scan is the gold standard however to confirm meniscal tear + type of tear present

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10
Q

What is the management of small Meniscal tears

A

RICE

Most small tears will swell up but subside in the next couple of days

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11
Q

What is the management of a tear that is large/ remaining symptomatic

A

arthroscopic surgery

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12
Q

When is arthroscopic surgery indicated

A

If the tear is in the outer third of meniscus - rich vascular supply

If the tear is in the inner third

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13
Q

What are the complications of meniscal tears

A

OA

If surgery then:
Risk of DVT

Risk of damage to the saphenous nerve and vein

Risk of damage to peroneal nerve and popliteal vessels

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