Cartilage (meniscus) injuries: Treatment, symptoms, advice and help

About cartilage (meniscus) injuries

These injuries constitute damage to the cartilages of the knee joint which is made up of three bones namely the femur (thigh bone), the tibia (shin bone) and the patella (knee cap). These bones are supported by ligaments and cartilages. Cartilages of the knee joint comprise of articular cartilage which covers the surface of the joint and meniscus which is a wedge of cartilage between the bones. There are two menisci in the knee joint, namely medial, which is placed inside the knee joint and lateral, which is outside the joint area.

The joint cartilages are responsible for even distribution of the body weight upon the knee joint, prevention of friction between the ends of bones and also act as shock absorbers. This section includes injuries related to both the articular cartilage and the menisci.

Cartilage (meniscus) injuries: Incidence, age and sex

Cartilage injuries of the knee are quite commonly seen in the general population. It is more prevalent in young adults, mostly athletes.

Signs and symptoms of cartilage (meniscus) injuries: Diagnosis

The clinical features of cartilage injury of the knee include pain and swelling of the affected knee coupled with restriction of movement. Some individuals may experience a clicking sound within the knee. The knee joint may get locked, meaning the individual may not be able to extend the leg completely. These clinical features are typically suggestive of meniscal or cartilage injury of the knee.

Immediate consultation with a specialist is needed who may examine the affected knee completely before advising x-rays and MRI scans. An x-ray does not exactly show the cartilage tear but it helps in evaluating the cause of tear. It helps in assessing whether tear is related to degenerative changes or due to fracture of the knee joint. The cartilage injury can be clearly viewed on MRI scan which helps in establishing the diagnosis.

Causes and prevention of cartilage (meniscus) injuries

The cartilage tears are most frequently seen in athletes in response to sudden trauma. Sudden twisting of the bent knee most commonly result in cartilage injuries. Moreover, cartilage tears may also be seen in older adults as a result of degenerative process.

Cartilage (meniscus) injuries: Complications

The injuries of cartilage, especially meniscal cartilage take a long time to heal due to poor blood supply. Many individuals complain of longstanding pain and stiffness in the knee, even after complete treatment.

Cartilage (meniscus) injuries: Treatment

The management of cartilage injuries depend upon activity level and age of the individual. Cold compress and pain killers may provide immediate relief from pain and swelling. But this is temporary and one requires constant physiotherapy to help in the healing process of cartilage. In occasional individuals not responding to conservative measures, surgical management may be considered. Surgical procedure like meniscectomy in which the torn portions of meniscus are trimmed and repaired may prove fruitful. Other surgical treatments include meniscus repair and meniscus transplantation.