If you’ve ever experienced sudden knee pain or discomfort, you might be dealing with a meniscal injury. These injuries can affect individuals across various age groups and are often associated with specific activities or conditions. We spoke with Mr Ashutosh Acharya, a consultant trauma and orthopaedic surgeon who specialises in hip and knee surgery, to break down what meniscal injuries are, how they present, and the available treatment options.
What is a meniscal injury?
The meniscus is a piece of cartilage in your knee that acts as a cushion between your thigh bone and shin bone. It helps with shock absorption and stabilisation of the knee joint. A meniscal injury, also known as a cartilage injury, can happen for several reasons, typically involving a twisting or impact force on the knee.
Meniscal injuries can occur in younger individuals, often due to sports-related incidents. For example, a sudden twist during a football game or a direct blow to the knee can damage the meniscus. In older adults, these injuries might occur with less dramatic causes, such as a simple twist or turn while walking.
Spotting the signs: how to recognise meniscal injuries
The symptoms of a meniscal injury can vary, but common signs include:
- Pain: This may be located on the inside or outside of the knee.
- Swelling: The knee may swell up, sometimes appearing larger than usual.
- Locking or Jamming: You might feel as if your knee is stuck in one position, or it may lock up temporarily, making it difficult to straighten out.
If you experience these symptoms after a specific incident or without any clear cause, it’s important to seek medical advice. An MRI scan can help confirm whether a meniscal injury is present and guide appropriate treatment.
Treatment options for meniscal injuries
Treatment for a meniscal injury depends on several factors, including the severity of the injury and the patient’s age. Here’s an overview of the options:
- Conservative Management: For some individuals, especially those over 40, treatment might start with non-invasive methods. Rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications can help alleviate pain and swelling. In some cases, a steroid injection into the knee can provide significant relief, often avoiding the need for surgery.
- Surgical Intervention: If conservative treatments aren’t effective, or if the injury is more severe, surgery might be necessary. Meniscal surgery is typically performed using keyhole surgery (arthroscopy). This minimally invasive procedure involves making small incisions in the knee, through which a camera and instruments are inserted to trim or repair the damaged cartilage.
The recovery from keyhole surgery is generally straightforward. Most patients can resume normal activities within a few weeks, and crutches are usually not required for more than a couple of days. However, recovery times can vary, and some residual discomfort might persist, especially if there’s existing wear and tear in the knee.
Risks and recovery
Like any surgery, meniscal repair carries some risks, although these are relatively minor. Potential complications include infection, bleeding, and swelling. To minimise the risk of blood clots, patients may be given medication as a precaution. Overall, the success rate for meniscal surgery is high, and most people experience significant relief from pain and improved function following the procedure.
When to see a specialist
If you suspect you have a meniscal injury, particularly if you’ve had a recent injury or are experiencing persistent knee pain and swelling, consult with a healthcare professional. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further damage and improve your chances of a full recovery.
Mr Ashutosh Acharya is a highly experienced consultant orthopaedic surgeon specialising in hip and knee conditions, including sports-related knee injuries. He has a particular interest in treating anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, offering both surgical and non-surgical treatments to help patients recover and regain stability. His expertise ensures personalised, effective care for each patient, focusing on restoring mobility and improving quality of life.
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