Can you reinjure a meniscus?

A re-torn meniscus can occur from a fall, traumatic event or degeneration. Revision meniscus repair surgeon, Dr. Matthew Provencher provides diagnosis and both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for patients in Vail who have re-torn their meniscus. Contact Dr.

What are the 2 types of meniscus?

The menisci — the medial meniscus and lateral meniscus – are crescent-shaped bands of thick, rubbery cartilage attached to the shinbone (tibia). They act as shock absorbers and stabilize the knee. The medial meniscus is on the inner side of the knee joint. The lateral meniscus is on the outside of the knee.

How serious is discoid meniscus?

A discoid meniscus is thicker than normal, and often oval or disc-shaped. It is more prone to injury than a normally shaped meniscus. People with discoid meniscus may go through their entire lives and never experience any problems. If a discoid meniscus does not cause pain or discomfort, no treatment is needed.

What is the best treatment for medial meniscus tear?

Your doctor might recommend:

• Rest. Avoid activities that aggravate your knee pain, especially any activity that causes you to twist, rotate or pivot your knee.
• Ice. Ice can reduce knee pain and swelling.
• Medication. Over-the-counter pain relievers also can help ease knee pain.

How common is it to Retear meniscus?

Patients with a symptomatic lateral discoid meniscus in this cohort had a high rate of meniscal retears (59% at 8 years) following meniscal repair or partial meniscectomy. These subsequent tears contributed to the high reoperation rate (39% at 8 years).

Are Arthroscopies successful?

The highly advanced procedure has an over 90 percent success rate. Arthroscopy involves the use of smaller incisions and specialized tools to perform the repairs. Arthroscopic knee surgery is a safe procedure, however, there are some risks associated with it.

What’s the worst type of meniscus tear?

Radial Meniscus Tear These types of tears are found in the avascular area of the meniscus, which means there is no blood flowing to this area. Because of this, it’s exceedingly difficult for this type of injury to heal naturally.

Which meniscus is more prone to injury?

The medial meniscus is more vulnerable to injury to due to its intimate attachment to the medial collateral ligament. The moveable lateral meniscus is less prone to tear except when the ACL is injured.

Does discoid meniscus need surgery?

Individuals with a discoid meniscus can be asymptomatic or symptomatic. Asymptomatic discoid menisci do not require treatment. However, operative treatment is necessary if there are symptoms. Total meniscectomy leads to an increased risk of osteoarthritis.

How long is recovery for discoid meniscus?

Recovery from surgical treatment of a discoid meniscus is about 6 weeks to regain full strength and mobility of the joint. Most patients require no immobilization and limited restrictions of weight-bearing.

What happens if you don’t repair a torn meniscus?

If not treated, part of the meniscus may come loose and slip into the joint. You may need surgery to restore full knee function. Untreated meniscus tears can increase in size and lead to complications, such as arthritis.

How do you tell if I retore my meniscus?

Symptoms

1. A popping sensation.
2. Swelling or stiffness.
3. Pain, especially when twisting or rotating your knee.
4. Difficulty straightening your knee fully.
5. Feeling as though your knee is locked in place when you try to move it.
6. Feeling of your knee giving way.

Can you repair a meniscus tear twice?

An attempt should be made to preserve meniscal function by repairing tears, but even after arthroscopic confirmation of stable healing repaired menisci may tear again.

Can meniscus surgery make it worse?

So while the torn meniscus may be less efficient in helping protect the cartilage, removing a part of the meniscus makes matters even worse! Many prior studies have shown that meniscus surgery increases the loads on the cartilage, leading to more wear and tear.

Why does my knee still hurt 3 months after arthroscopic surgery?

Swelling, infection, inadequate rehabilitation, spontaneous osteonecrosis, and arthritis in the joint are a few of the factors that cause continued knee pain after surgery.

What percentage of meniscus tears require surgery?

Differing treatment It’s important to know the differences between the tears because usually only acute traumatic tears are surgically repairable. Less than 10 percent of meniscal tears occurring in patients age 40 or older can be repaired.

Which is worse lateral or medial meniscus tear?

However, it is well known that if a lateral meniscus is taken out, the consequences are almost always worse than having a medial meniscus resected.

Is a meniscus injury always a tear?

A meniscus injury can occur by way of tears and strains, some of these injuries are mild and can be treated conservatively, while others are serious and will require surgical intervention.

How do you treat discoid meniscus?

Asymptomatic discoid menisci do not require treatment. However, if there are symptoms, operative treatment is necessary. Since total meniscectomy leads to a high risk of osteoarthritis, total meniscectomy should be avoided except for unsalvageable cases.