A rupture of the meniscus of the knee joint is a common phenomenon. This cartilage gasket stabilizes the knee joint, being a shock absorber - a layer between the knee bones. There are two such menisci in the knee. One of them is in the internal, and the second in the external area. By distributing body weight, they ensure the stability of the joint. In case of damage to such an organ as a meniscus, a rupture produces disturbances in the functions of the knee.
Meniscus - a gap, what are the causes of this pathology? Most often occurs with twisting movements of the knee joint. With age, the cartilage pad wears out and the likelihood increases that the meniscus can be damaged.
Rupture can occur under excessive load. For example, there were cases when a woman, left without male help, abruptly took upon herself all the household chores and received similar damage. Such a pathology also occurs in athletes, the so-called "sports injury."
What is typical for such an organ as the meniscus, a gap in its outer region heals faster, but in the inner one it is slower. This is because the outer region is better supplied with blood.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the type of pathology on which the meniscus has suffered. A minor gap accompanies mild pain and slight swelling. In this case, symptoms disappear on their own in two or three weeks.
A meniscus of moderate severity - a gap causes, respectively, more severe pain. The swelling continues to increase for several days. The knee is constrained, movements in the joint are difficult. When trying to squat or twist, sharp pain may occur.
After a week or two, the symptoms can also go away without treatment, but they can also come back due to stress.
Some people mistakenly believe that one can neglect an organ such as the meniscus. A severe rupture can, however, lead to the penetration of meniscus fragments into the periarticular space. Jerky sounds can be made by the knee, pronounced stiffness is manifested. The joint is shaky, it can suddenly bend, straighten the leg hard.
Swelling and pain in the knee joint often indicate that a meniscus rupture is possible. For any of the above symptoms, medical attention is highly desirable. Understand that this is your health and you are responsible for it.
Examining your knee, a specialist finds out the cause of the symptoms. You will be able to tell about your activities immediately at the time of the onset of pain. Also tell us about the injuries that were suffered earlier. Usually in such cases, an x-ray is taken.
A more detailed examination, if necessary, is performed by an orthopedic surgeon. In this case, a more distinct picture of the gap will be revealed by passing the appropriate tests prescribed by a specialist.
Treatment
To determine the choice of treatment for meniscus rupture, experts take into account a number of factors. This is the area of the gap, the severity of the damage, the type of pathology, age factor, the level of patient activity.
The treatment itself may consist of the following:
- Part of the meniscus in some cases is removed promptly.
- Conducting reconstructive surgery.
- The appointment of physiotherapy.
- Applying ice, applying an elastic bandage, rest.
The operation is advisable for large, severe injuries in the center of the meniscus. However, sometimes such a recovery method may not be effective enough. But it is perhaps most suitable for restoring the functioning of the joint. At the same time, the percentage of a positive result is higher in young people.
Rehabilitation after meniscus surgery is a set of special exercises, walking and resting. The rehabilitation period takes time, depending on the type of operation.