Meniscus tears

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Arthroscopy

Meniscal tears

Knee arthroscopy - series

Overview

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

Meniscus tears

Alternative Names:

Tear - meniscus; Knee injury - meniscus; Cartilage tear

First Aid:

The goal of treatment is to minimize the symptoms and protect the joint from further injury while it heals.

Full weight bearing is discouraged (the person may need to use crutches). A knee immobilizer is often applied to prevent further injury to the joint. Ice is applied to reduce swelling, and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are given to reduce swelling and pain.

Physical activity is allowed -- as tolerated. Physical therapy should be involved to help regain joint and leg strength. If the injury is acute, and/or you have a high activity level, knee arthroscopy (surgery) may be necessary. Age has an effect on treatment. Younger patients are more likely to have problems without surgery.

Do Not:

DO NOT force weight bearing, if painful

Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if:

Call your health care provider if symptoms of meniscus tears occur after an injury to the knee.

Call your health care provider if you are being treated for a meniscus tear and you notice increased instability in your knee, if pain or swelling return after they initially subsided, or if your injury does not appear to be resolving with time.

Also call if you re-injure your knee.

Review Date: 4/28/2004
Reviewed By: Andrew L. Chen, M.D., M.S., Steadman-Hawkins Sports Medicine Foundation, Vail, CO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.