Meniscal injuries are often associated with a ligament tear of the knee. An injury to one of the main supporting ligaments of the knee can result in an unstable knee increasing the chance of tearing a meniscus. When a meniscus is injured the knee often becomes painful and/or swollen. The pain is usually made worse by specific movements such as bending or twisting the knee. Certain maneuvers may produce a "click", "pop" or sharp pain which is often localized to the medial or lateral joint line (the space between the thigh bone and the shin bone). Swelling can be caused from irritation of the knee joint by the torn meniscus.
X-rays cannot detect meniscal injuries but are useful to rule out wear and tear arthritis (osteoarthritis), loose pieces of bone or a broken bone which may mimic a "torn cartilage". Occasionally a special test called Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is required. Arthroscopic surgery is helpful in both the diagnosis and treatment of these injuries.
Initially the treatment of meniscus injuries may include activity modification, ice, medication (to reduce pain and/or swelling) and physiotherapy. If a torn meniscus does not heal, and pain, swelling or intermittent catching persists, arthroscopic surgery may be necessary. Arthroscopic surgery is usually required if the knee remains locked.
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