Meniscal Injuries

(Meniscus Tears) Melbourne

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The menisci of the knee are two specialised fibrocartilage structures that act as shock absorbers, helping to distribute load and protect the joint surfaces. There are two menisci in each knee, the medial meniscus and the lateral meniscus, both essential for maintaining knee stability and long-term joint health.

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Symptoms of Meniscal Injury

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Meniscus tears commonly present with:

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• Localised knee pain

• Swelling

• Clicking or catching sensations

• Mechanical symptoms such as locking

• Difficulty bending or straightening the knee

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Certain injury patterns, such as bucket-handle tears, can cause the knee to lock, limiting normal movement.

 

Treatment of Meniscal Injuries

 

Due to their limited blood supply, menisci have a reduced ability to heal naturally. As a result, symptomatic traumatic meniscus tears are often managed with surgery.

The primary goal of treatment is meniscus preservation, as maintaining meniscal function is critical in preventing early osteoarthritis. Treatment options may include:

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• Meniscus repair, where the torn tissue is stabilised

• Partial meniscectomy, where damaged tissue is removed in select cases

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The choice of treatment depends on the tear pattern, location, and patient-specific factors.

 

Types of Meniscal Tears

 

Meniscal injuries vary in shape and severity, including:

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• Bucket-handle tears

• Complex tear patterns

• Meniscal root tears, where the meniscus detaches from bone

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Each type requires careful evaluation to determine the most appropriate management strategy.

 

Degenerative Meniscal Tears

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Meniscal changes associated with knee arthritis are common and are typically managed without surgery. In most cases, these degenerative tears reflect underlying joint wear rather than an isolated injury.

However, there are select situations, such as meniscal root tears in otherwise healthy knees, where surgical treatment may be beneficial.

For patients experiencing knee pain, locking, or suspected meniscus injury, consultation with a knee specialist in Melbourne is recommended.