Meniscal Injuries - Causes, Treatments & Symptoms

October 1, 2024

Meniscal Injury

The knee joint has 2 menisci - the medial (inside) and the lateral (outside). In their normal healthy state these structures help to contribute functions of stability, load bearing and sharing, and joint surface (cartilage) protection. They are resilient structures, made from tough type 1 collagen fibres, and are securely attached within the knee to both the tibial surface (front and back) and the knee joint capsule (the periphery of the knee joint). Their collagen structure means that there is a relatively low water content in the tissue, and this confers a low degree of deformation under load, which helps maintain their shape and ability to help resist deforming forces across the knee joint during joint motion. Until the age of approximately 35, the meniscal tissue has its lifetime highest percentage of water content (relative to other tissues) and injury risk remains low. Only extreme deforming forces have the possibility of causing injury, and when this happens it is usually a vertical tear at the attachment of the meniscus to the capsule of the knee, sometimes caused a “circumferential tear”. These injuries are uncommon, but can be associated with extreme hyperflexion/rotation forces across the knee joint.

Meniscal injury (tears) have many configurations, dependent on a number of factors. Younger patients with memorable trauma often have radial/oblique tears, especially of the lateral meniscus, whereas older patients (over 35) often have horizontal splits in the rear (posterior) aspect of the meniscus which can sometimes occur innocuously or without significant trauma. The relative “drying-out” of the menisci in older patients renders the tissue brittle, stiff and less compliant, thus making it susceptible to splitting under lighter loads, for example, whilst squatting or kneeling down. Surgical intervention for these meniscal injuries is arranged after a detailed discussion with the patient concerning the risks of re-tear, chances of requiring further surgery and the long-term prognosis of both operative vs non-operative treatments.

Meniscal Tear Treatment

Not all meniscal tears require or need surgery, and the presence of a tear is not always the reason why an individual may have knee pain, which is why it’s important to make a thorough clinical assessment and have a recent MRI scan. An experienced consultant knee surgeon will be able to advise the patient as to whether surgery will then help, or whether it would only make minimal difference.

Sports activities that can sometimes result in meniscal injury include all the popular sports enjoyed around the UK and the world, eg. Football, netball, rugby, hockey, running, gymnastics, winter sports, even golf. If you think you may be carrying, or have developed a meniscal injury, seek a professional assessment as soon as possible so that you can put your mind at ease with respect to any symptoms that you may have. Simply click on the link and complete the form, or email directly using owenrwall@leedskneeclinic.com

Book Now!

< Older Post

Newer Post >

A woman holds her knee in pain on a rugby field

Women & ACL Injuries - What's The Link?

April 16, 2025

This systematic review evaluates the effects of menstrual cycle on: 1) lower-limb biomechanics, 2) neuromuscular control, and 3) ACL injury risk.

Dealing With Jumper's Knee While Skiing

March 11, 2025

Skiing is an exhilarating sport that demands agility, strength, and endurance. However, for those suffering from Jumper's Knee, also known as patellar tendinopathy, skiing can present unique challenges. This condition, characterised by pain and inflammation in the patellar tendon, often affects athletes who engage in repetitive jumping and high-impact activities. If not managed properly, Jumper's Knee can hinder performance and lead to long-term issues. Here’s how skiers can effectively deal with Jumper’s Knee while hitting the slopes. Understanding Jumper’s Knee Jumper’s Knee occurs due to overuse and repetitive stress on the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap to the shinbone. This stress can cause micro tears, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced mobility. Skiing, with its constant knee flexion, sudden jumps, and landings, can exacerbate this condition, making it crucial to take preventive and management measures. Prevention Strategies Strength Training – Building strong quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes can help reduce the strain on the patellar tendon. Exercises like squats, leg presses, and step-ups can provide support to the knee. Proper Warm-up and Stretching – Before hitting the slopes, engage in dynamic stretching and warm-up exercises such as leg swings, lunges, and knee bends to increase blood flow and flexibility. Using Proper Ski Gear – Investing in well-fitted ski boots and knee braces can provide additional support and reduce strain on the knees. Maintaining Good Technique – Avoid excessive strain on the knees by keeping a proper skiing posture, with knees slightly bent and body weight evenly distributed. Gradual Progression – If you are recovering from Jumper’s Knee, gradually increase your skiing intensity rather than jumping into aggressive slopes immediately. If the pain persists despite taking preventive measures and modifying your skiing routine, seek support from a professional and stop skiing. Persistent or severe pain might indicate a more serious injury requiring advanced treatments such as physical therapy, injections, or, in rare cases, surgery. Skiing with Jumper’s Knee is possible with proper management and precautions. By strengthening the surrounding muscles, using the right equipment, and listening to your body, you can continue to enjoy the slopes while minimising discomfort and preventing further injury. While skiing with jumper's knee is possible under the right conditions, it's still not generally recommended and seeking support for knee pain is always the preferred route. If symptoms persist, professional medical advice is essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable skiing experience. We are available for knee consultations if you feel you need to address your knee pain or concerns. It may be that a simple lifestyle change will make all the difference but you can't know if you keep it hidden. The longer the pain goes unchecked, the more serious it can become.