Overview

Meniscus Tear Repair

Meniscus tears are among the most common types of knee injuries and can cause pain, swelling, and locking in your knee. To get relief from the discomfort of a meniscus tear and improve the function of your knee, visit the orthopedic specialists at Gardner Orthopedics. Located in Fort Myers, Florida, the team offers a variety of conservative, minimally invasive, and interventional procedures to address your specific situation. To schedule a visit, call or book online today.

Meniscus Tear Q & A

In between the bones of your knee — the femur and tibia — there are two menisci that provide cushion and support to your knee joint. If one or both of the menisci are torn, it can cause pain and dysfunction in your knee joint.

There are different types of tears depending on which area of the meniscus is torn. Based on the type of tear you have, the team provides appropriate treatment options to help you recover.

Meniscus tears can cause mild discomfort to severe pain, especially if they are the result of trauma. Other symptoms of meniscus tears include:

  • Swelling in the knee
  • Catching or locking of the knee joint
  • Inability to fully extend or bend your knee
  • Limping due to pain or dysfunction

Meniscus pain may be felt deep in your knee joint or on the inside or outside aspects of the joint. If both menisci are torn, you’re more likely to have more severe symptoms.

Meniscus tears occur when the knee joint is bent and twisted inward or outward while the foot is planted. This particular movement, which can happen when playing soccer, basketball, or even walking and pivoting, puts specific compressive and rotational forces on the meniscus that cause it to tear.

Meniscus tears may also be accompanied by other knee injuries, such as medial or lateral collateral ligament tears or tears of the anterior or posterior cruciate ligaments. If this is the case, you’ll experience more severe swelling and disability because the supportive structures in the knee have been damaged.

The best way to diagnose a meniscus tear is through a physical exam and MRI. During the exam, the team performs specific orthopedic tests to assess the different anatomical structures in your knee and identify any movements or popping and clicking that may be present.

In some cases, arthroscopy is needed to determine the extent of damage to your meniscus. This surgical procedure can also be performed to repair meniscus tears, when appropriate.

Treatment for meniscus tears depends on the severity of the tear along with your symptoms. Possible treatment options include:

  • Physical therapy
  • Regenerative medicine
  • Splinting and bracing
  • Steroid and joint injections
  • Arthroscopy

The team at Gardner Orthopedics works with you to help your knee heal as much as possible so you can return to sports or the gym when you’re ready.

To schedule a knee exam at Gardner Orthopedics, call or click to book an appointment online now.

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