Download Knee Meniscus Tear

Knee Meniscus Tear
Normal Mensicus Anatomy:
Superior View
Arcuate popliteal
ligament
Bursa
Lateral collateral
ligament
Popliteus tendon
Lateral meniscus
Semimembranosus tendon
Oblique popliteal ligament
Posterior cruciate ligament
Posterior meniscofemoral ligament
(ligament of Wrisberg)
Medial meniscus
Medial collateral ligament
Superior articular
surface of lateral
tibial condyle
Superior articular surface of
medial tibial condyle
Anterior cruciate ligament
(seen through the synovial membrane)
Synovial membrane
Iliotibial tract
blended into capsule
Intermeniscal ligament
Infrapatellar fat pad
Joint capsule
Patellar ligament
Meniscus Tears
Vertical tear
Bucket handle
tear
Radial tear
Parrot beak tear
Meniscus Tear is a tear in the cartilage that cushions the knee joint. It usually occurs when the
knee twists forcefully but can also occur due to the aging and degeneration of the cartilage.
Symptoms include pain and swelling in the knee joint, inability to bend or straighten the leg fully and
knee popping or clicking.
Common Treatment Options
• Elevate the knee.
• Apply ice packs to the knee for 20 - 30 minutes every 3 - 4 hours for the first 2 - 3 days until the
swelling decreases.
• Wrap an elastic bandage around the knee to prevent further swelling.
• In acute cases, crutches may be used for comfort to keep the weight off the knee.
• Surgery is the most common treatment of choice for meniscus tears. Depending on the type
of tear and age of patient, removal of unhealthy tissue or meniscus repair may be performed at
the time of surgery.
• After surgery, using crutches and non-weight bearing may be required for up to 6 weeks.
© 2 0 1 0 L i p p i n c o t t W i l l i a m s & W i l k i n s | Wo l t e r s K l u w e r H e a l t h
Fraying/ Degenerative tear
Contact information
© 2 0 1 0 L i p p i n c o t t W i l l i a m s & W i l k i n s | Wo l t e r s K l u w e r H e a l t h
Notes: