About
The knee is composed of four bones and three bone-to-bone joints. These are the patella-femoral joint, tibio-femoral joint and the tibio-fibular joint. Attached to the joint surface of the tibia are two fibro-cartilagenous structures called menisci. The menisci lie between the tibia and femur. There is a medial meniscus on the inner aspect of the knee and a lateral meniscus on the outside aspect of the knee. A meniscus tear typically occurs from a traumatic injury to the knee like getting hit on the outside or inside of the knee. Sometimes this trauma can be associated with medial collateral or cruciate ligament injuries. Sometimes a simple twisting injury or awkward turn can also cause a meniscus tear.
Signs and Symptoms
- Knee pain.
- Loss of motion.
- Knee swelling.
- Pain with walking and weight bearing.
- A popping or clicking sound in the knee.
Treatment Options
- Conservative nonsurgical treatment.
- Surgical repair.
- Partial meniscectomy.
- Injections.