Rehabilitation For A Meniscus Tear: What Do I Need To Know About A Meniscus Tear

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What do I need to know about a meniscus tear?

A meniscus tear is a common knee joint injury. Meniscus tears commonly occur during sports when the knee is twisted while it is partially flexed and the foot is firmly planted on the ground, but they are also common with normal movement in people older than age 40 whose menisci (plural of meniscus) are worn down. The medial and lateral menisci of the knee are two crescent-moon-shaped disks of tissue (fibrocartilage) that lie between the ends of the upper leg bone and the lower leg bone that form the knee joint. The rubbery tissue acts as a shock absorber between the upper and lower leg bones, evenly distributing the load across the knee.

Symptoms of a meniscus tear depend on the size and location of the tear and whether other knee injuries occurred along with it. Pain at the inside of the knee can indicate a tear to the medial meniscus, while pain at the outer side of the affected knee may indicate a tear to the lateral meniscus.

• Symptoms of a small tear include pain at the time of injury, with slight swelling over several days. You are able to walk and your pain is minimal, although your pain may get worse when you squat. Your symptoms usually go away within 2 to 3 weeks, although they may recur with bending or twisting.
• Symptoms of a moderate tear include pain at the side or in the center of your knee, although you may still be able to walk. The swelling increases over 2 to 3 days, and your knee feels stiff. You may have sharp pain when twisting or squatting. The symptoms may diminish in 1 to 2 weeks, but they may recur with twisting or overuse if untreated. The pain may come and go for several months or a year or more if untreated.
• Symptoms of a larger tear include pain, with swelling and stiffness that start right away. Or symptoms can get worse over 2 to 3 days. Your knee may catch, pop, or lock, and you might not be able to straighten your knee. It might also feel "wobbly" or unstable, or give way without warning.

Treatment of a meniscus tear depends upon the size, type, and location of the tear, your age, your health status and activity level, and when the injury occurred. Treatment options include:

• Nonsurgical treatment with rest, ice, compression, elevation, and physical therapy. This may include wearing a temporary knee brace.
• Surgical repair to sew the tear together.
• Surgical removal of the torn section (partial meniscectomy). Total meniscectomy, which removes the entire meniscus, is generally avoided because of the increased risk for osteoarthritis.

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Last updated:	September 22, 2006
Author:	Kathe Gallagher, MSW
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Kathie Hummel-Berry, PT, PhD - Physical Therapy
Editors:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC, Pat Truman