Causes of Meniscus Injury

Sports Injuries: Sudden twists, pivots, or impacts during activities like football, soccer, or basketball.
Trauma: Direct blows to the knee.
Degeneration: Age-related wear and tear that weakens the meniscus over time.

Symptoms of Meniscus Injury

Pain: Sharp pain localized to the inner or outer side of the knee.
Swelling: Immediate or delayed swelling around the knee joint.
Tenderness: Soreness above the knee joint.
Locking or Catching: Sensation of the knee getting stuck or clicking during movement.
Instability: Feeling of the knee giving way.

Diagnosis of Meniscus Injury

To accurately diagnose a meniscus injury, Dr. Khaleel Senior Consultant arthroscopic knee and sports surgeon Kims Alshifa , Perintalmanna , Kerala , India ,  will perform:

Physical Examination: Checking for tenderness, swelling, and range of motion.
McMurray Test: Bending the knee and rotating the leg to assess pain and clicking sounds.
X-rays: To rule out fractures.
MRI: Detailed imaging to confirm the presence and extent of the meniscus tear.

Treatment Options for Meniscus Injury

Non-Surgical Treatment
Rest: Avoid activities that stress the knee.
Ice: Apply ice packs to reduce swelling and pain.
Compression: Use of compression wraps or sleeves to manage swelling.
Elevation: Elevate the knee to decrease swelling.
Physical Therapy: Exercises to restore strength and stability.

Surgical Treatment
In cases of severe meniscus tears, surgical intervention may be necessary.

Meniscus Repair
Procedure: Using an arthroscopic approach, Dr. Khaleel Senior Consultant arthroscopic knee and sports surgeon Kims Alshifa , Perintalmanna , Kerala , India ,   will sew the torn meniscus back together. For larger tears, an additional small incision may be made to complete the fixation.
Suitable for: Younger patients with a good blood supply to the meniscus and those undergoing concurrent ACL reconstruction.
Partial Meniscectomy
Procedure: Removal of the damaged portion of the meniscus, smoothing down the remaining area to prevent further tearing.
Suitable for: Patients with small symptomatic tears, tears in the inner third of the meniscus, or menisci that are shredded beyond repair.

Post-Surgical Care and Recovery

After meniscus surgery, a comprehensive rehabilitation program is essential for successful recovery

Immobilization: The knee may be immobilized with a brace to protect the repair and allow healing.
Physical Therapy: Gradual exercises to restore range of motion, strength, and stability.
Follow-Up Appointments: Regular check-ups with Dr. Khaleel Senior Consultant arthroscopic knee and sports surgeon Kims Alshifa , Perintalmanna , Kerala , India ,  to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

Conclusion

Meniscus injuries require specialized care for proper diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Khaleel Senior Consultant arthroscopic knee and sports surgeon Kims Alshifa , Perintalmanna , Kerala , India , with extensive experience in orthopedic knee surgery, offers advanced surgical techniques to repair and reconstruct meniscal tears, helping patients in Kerala return to their active lifestyles.