Meniscus Tear

The meniscus, a C-shaped piece of cartilage that absorbs shock between your shinbone and thighbone, commonly suffers injury when you twist your knee while bearing weight. Accomplished sports medicine physician Kyle Borque, MD, author of many papers on the treatment of meniscus injuries, has significant experience diagnosing and treating meniscus tears so you can get back to the activities you love. Call theHouston and Sugar Land, Texas, office today or use the online tool to book an appointment if you think you have a meniscus tear or other knee injury.

What is a meniscus tear?

You have two menisci (plural for meniscus) in your knee: the medial meniscus on the inside and the lateral meniscus on the outside. They are C-shaped rings of cartilage that act as the shock absorbers. They are like rubber bands attached to the shin bone (the tibia) in the front and the back. 

These pieces of cartilage are vulnerable to tearing when you twist suddenly with your foot planted as well as when the knee is forced into a bent position. Athletes who play sports like football, tennis, or basketball are at particular risk.  

Degenerative changes to the meniscus that naturally occur with age can also make you more susceptible for a meniscus tear. Patients who struggle with their weight also put extra stress on their meniscus, putting it at risk of injury.

What types of meniscus tears do you treat?

The meniscus can tear in several ways, including:

Horizontal tears

These tears can result from a sudden twisting motion or repetitive stress on the meniscus. They can frequently be treated successfully with a combination of oral medications, physical therapy, and injections. Should they continue to cause pain, surgery is sometimes necessary.

Bucket handle tear

A bucket handle tear describes a complete tear of the inner rim of your meniscus. This type of tear usually requires surgical intervention as they can cause your knee to lock up.

Flap tear 

When one side of the meniscus has become detached, but the other is still attached, you have a flap tear. At times this flap can become stuck in the knee causing significant pain. Diagnostic imaging reveals a tear that looks like a crescent. If the pain does not improve with oral medications or an injection, surgery may be needed. 

Radial tear

A tear that goes across the meniscus toward the outer edge of your knee is a radial tear. While small, these tears can cause significant damage to the meniscus and frequently require surgical repair to prevent arthritis.

Root tear

The meniscus tears from its attachment to the shin bone. Like a rubber band attached at two ends, when the meniscus detaches from the bone, it loses its elasticity and stops functioning as a shock absorber altogether. In a knee without arthritis, fixing these tears with surgery can prevent arthritis from developing.

What symptoms suggest I have a meniscus tear? 

You may or may not hear a popping sound at the point of your injury, indicating that the meniscus has torn.  

Other symptoms of a meniscus tear include: 

• Pain in your knee
• Catching or locking of the knee
• Stiffness and swelling

A meniscus tear can make your knee feel quite unstable, almost as if it might “give way.” 

How do you treat meniscus tears? 

Dr. Borque often treats meniscus tears using medications, physical therapy, and injections. Meniscus tear pain often improves over time, especially when a patient is willing to modify movement.  

If a patient is particularly young or the tear is causing blocking or locking of the knee motion, they may require surgery. Dr. Borque also recommends surgery when the meniscus is torn, which would lead to arthritis if not fixed. Surgery can help reduce a patient’s pain levels and return them to full functionality.  

If you suspect you have a meniscus tear, call Dr. Borque or use this website to book a consultation online.