Meniscus Tear

Question 1

What does a meniscus tear equate to?

Answer 1

Surgery

Question 2

How do meniscal tears happen?

Answer 2

Due to a sudden twist or repeated squatting
*may result from trauma or degenerative change

Question 3

What are the purpose of a meniscus?

Answer 3

1. Will increase knee stability, joint congruency and improves nutrition and lubrication of the articular cartilage

Question 4

What are the shape of the meniscus?

Answer 4

2 C shaped
*between the femur and tibia

Question 5

What increases the likelihood of a meniscal tear?

Answer 5

A meniscal cyst

Question 6

How will a patient present with a meniscal tear?

Answer 6

1. Knee pain at the joint line
   *feels like the knee is catching, popping or giving out

Question 7

Where is the pain typically at?

Answer 7

1. More medially (posterior horn)
   *more common

Question 8

What are the PE findings?

Answer 8

1. Joint line tenderness
2. Pain with McMurray’s
3. Locking or popping

Question 9

What are the diagnostic findings?

Answer 9

1. Radiographs
   *evaluate for bony abnormalities
2. MRI
   *best test

Question 10

What is the prognosis?

Answer 10

1. Good if treated early and tear is small
2. Poor if there is arthritis
   *25% will re-tear and need a partial menisectomy

Question 11

What is the treatment?

Answer 11

1. Surgery
   *knee arthroscopy
2. PT

Question 12

What is a partial meisectomy?

Answer 12

1. Tear is excised
   *patient can walk on knee the same day

Question 13

What does a meniscus repair involve?

Answer 13

1. There needs to be an active blood supply
   (Red on red)
2. Non-weight bearing or weight bearing in extension for 4-6 weeks

Question 14

When would conservative treatment be indicated?

Answer 14

1. Partial-thickness or stable tears (<5mm)
2. End-stage arthritis
   *if the pain is intermittent explain the risk/benefits bc patients may want to try conservative treatment