I. Meniscus Tear
Meniscal tears are a common injury in the knee. Tears can occur in people of any age. In younger people, the meniscus is still tough and tears are usually caused by a very forceful twisting injury, such as when your foot twists while rotating or playing ball or squatting, which can easily cause a meniscus tear. In older people, the meniscus has developed to become weaker with age, so meniscal tears can occur from very minor injuries, such as squatting, to these simple exercises. But sports injuries are not the only cause of tears; tears can also occur in collisions.
II. Examination
A plain x-ray will not show a torn meniscus because the tissue is not dense enough. x-rays are mainly used to find the problem bone. mri scans (magnetic resonance imaging scanners) are very good at showing if the meniscus is torn. If the history and scanner strongly suggest that you have a torn meniscus, then an arthroscopy can be performed to confirm the diagnosis and fix the problem at the same time.
III. Treatment
1. Ice pack
The immediate treatment for a torn meniscus is to reduce the pain and swelling in the knee. So rest, tight compression and ice packs are the first treatment. Protect the joint from further injury. Allow other tissues that allow the injury to heal. Ice or cold therapy to reduce pain and swelling, which is the sooner the better. Compression will help reduce swelling. Professional athletes apply a compression bandage immediately prior to physical therapy to limit swelling.
2. Sedation
If the tear is located in the lateral 1/3 of the meniscus, the tear may heal itself because there is a good blood supply.
3.Surgery
The inner 2/3 of the meniscus does not have a good blood supply to repair, so surgery may be necessary for a tear in this area. If the symptoms continue to tear and interfere with daily activities, surgery will be needed either to remove the torn portion of the meniscus or to repair the tear and prevent further deterioration and damage to the knee. Most meniscus surgery is performed using an arthroscope. The plastic surgeon will make a smaller incision in the knee to allow for insertion of a small TV camera if allowed. Then through another small incision, a special instrument is used to remove the torn part of the meniscus while the arthroscope is used to see what is happening.
IV. Post-operative sports rehabilitation
4-6 weeks after surgery
1. Knee bending and straightening
Bend as well as straighten the knee as comfortably as possible without increasing your pain. Repeat 10-20 times.
2.Static quadriceps contraction
Tighten the muscles in the front of your thigh (quadriceps) and place your knee under a towel. Put your fingers on the inside of your quadriceps and contract the quadriceps to feel the muscle tighten.
Hold for 5 seconds and repeat 10 times as hard as possible without increasing your symptoms.
3. Parallel squats
Sufficient muscle and strength also help maintain healthy knees. The use of parallel squat training, trained properly can improve the stability of the knee. Parallel squat training will activate the lower body muscles that can strengthen the hips, knees and ankles. Properly performed parallel squats can improve knee stability.
6-14 weeks after surgery
4.Balance training
Double leg balancing exercises on a foam surface, the patient should first try to keep the balanced legs before using the leg that has been affected. Try to exceed 15 seconds on one leg.
5.Bicycle training
14-22 weeks after surgery
Patients can gradually return to “high impact” activities.
6.Jogging
From low to high intensity abdominal and back strengthening exercises.
7.Flying swallow
8.Curls
At first from 10 sets, do 2-3 sets, to gradually increase the number and sets.