One of the most commonly injured parts of the knee, the meniscus is a wedge-like rubbery cushion where the major bones of your leg connect. Meniscal cartilage curves like the letter “C” at the inside and outside of each knee. A strong stabilizing tissue, the meniscus helps the knee joint carry weight, glide and turn in many directions. It also keeps your femur (thighbone) and tibia (shinbone) from grinding against each other.
Signs and symptoms
You might experience a “popping” sensation when you tear the meniscus. Most people can still walk on the injured knee and many athletes keep playing. When symptoms of inflammation set in, your knee feels painful and tight. For several days you have:
- Stiffness and swelling.
- Tenderness in the joint line.
- Collection of fluid (“water on the knee”).
Without treatment, a fragment of the meniscus may loosen and drift into the joint, causing it to slip, pop or lock-your knee gets stuck, often at a 45-degree angle, until you manually move or otherwise manipulate it. If you think you have a meniscal tear, see your doctor right away for diagnosis and individualized treatment.
Arthroscopic surgery is helpful in diagnosis and treatment of the following conditions:
- Synovitis, the inflammation of the lining of the knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, or ankle
- Injuries to the shoulder, knee, and wrist joint such as cartilage tears or tendon tears
- Osteoarthritis caused by cartilage loss in a joint
Removal of loose bodies of bone or cartilage that becomes lodged within a joint
Recovery
You will follow up with your surgeon approximately one week after surgery. A rehabilitation program may be prescribed for a speedy recovery. You can usually resume normal activities within a few days.
