What is Meniscus?

The half-moon-shaped fibrocartilage cushions located between the femur (thigh) and tibia (tibia) bones in the knee joint are called meniscus. There are two menisci, inner and outer located in each knee. The menisci cover approximately two-thirds of the knee joint surface. to absorb, stabilize and provide load transfer.

How do meniscus injuries occur?

The mechanism of formation of meniscal injuries differs in young and old patients. While it usually occurs as a result of trauma in young patients, it occurs due to degeneration in elderly patients. Injury usually occurs as a result of rotational movements or sudden stopping movements in the knee.

What are the symptoms of meniscus tear?

• Pain: The most important symptom in meniscal tears is severe pain. Usually, the pain increases when going up and down the stairs or when the knee is bent. The pain in which movements depend on the location of the tear on the meniscus.
• Swelling: Swelling and a feeling of fullness occur in the knee as there is an increase in fluid due to injury.
• Lock: The knee is locked as a result of the torn meniscus piece getting stuck in the joint space. Usually, the bent knee is locked and does not open for a while.

Diagnosis and Evaluation in Meniscus Injuries

The patient's injury history and complaints are evaluated. In the physical examination, the diagnosis can be made with special meniscus tests (mcmurray, appley). Since meniscus injuries are usually accompanied by ligament and cartilage injuries, evaluation methods for these tissues are also applied. .

What treatment methods are used for meniscus injuries?

There are no blood vessels in the meniscus structures and they are nourished by diffusion. Therefore, the ability of the tissue to repair itself is difficult. Therefore, it is first determined whether surgery is needed. If surgery is needed, rehabilitation protocols are applied before and after surgery. Arthroscopy (closed) method is generally used in surgeries. As physical therapy methods manual therapy, stretching and strengthening exercises, stabilization exercises are applied. Electrotherapy applications that accelerate tissue healing and reduce symptoms are also used in treatment.