Discoid Meniscus

If you suffer from chronic knee pain related to meniscus damage, don’t hesitate to Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists.

A discoid meniscus exhibits an abnormal shape within the knee. The bones of the knee make up one of the largest joints in your body and also one of the most complex. Due to the constantly active nature of the joint, the knee also suffers from wear and tear more than most joints in the body, leading to further issues.

The Meniscus consists of a U-shaped patch of tissue that sits between the shin bone and the leg bone and acts as a shock absorber for the knee.

Patients with A “discoid meniscus” will have knees with thicker than usual menisci, often oval or disc-shaped. A Discoid Meniscus’ shape will make it more prone to injury than a normally shaped meniscus. People born with discoid meniscus may go through their entire lives and never experience any issue with them. If a discoid meniscus does not cause pain or discomfort, no treatment is needed.

Joint Specialists consider Meniscal tears among the most common knee injuries. Athletes, and more specifically those who play contact sports, present a much higher risk for meniscal tears. However, anyone at any age can tear their meniscus. 

What is a Meniscus Tear?

Menisci can tear in several different ways. Physicians classify tears by the shape of the tear as well as the location of the tear. Sports-related meniscal tears often occur alongside other knee injuries, such as ACL tears.

What Causes Meniscus Tears?

Sudden sports injuries commonly cause meniscus tears. Players can squat and twist the knee too far, causing the tear. Direct impact, such as a football tackle sometimes provides enough force to injure the knee.

Older patients tend to suffer more from degenerative meniscal tears. Cartilage tends to weaken and wear down over time, making it more prone to tearing. Even twisting awkwardly when rising from a chair can cause enough stress to tear the tissue, if the menisci has weakened enough with age.

Symptoms of a Meniscus Tear

Patients may feel a “popping” sensation when they tear the meniscus. Most patients will maintain the ability to walk on their injured knee, even athletes can still sometimes continue playing with a torn meniscus. Over the course of several days, the knee will gradually stiffen and swell. A Baker’s Cyst may form after the knee suffers any internal injuries.

The most common symptoms of a meniscal tear include pain, stiffness, and swelling in the knee. Patients often experience a catching or locking sensation, making it difficult to move the knee smoothly. Additionally, the knee might “give way” or feel unstable, causing sudden buckling during activities. This instability can be particularly problematic during movements that require knee strength and coordination, such as walking, running, or climbing stairs.

In some cases, individuals with a meniscal tear may find it challenging to fully extend or bend their knee, limiting their range of motion. This restriction can impact daily activities, such as sitting, standing, or getting up from a chair. The combination of pain, swelling, and limited mobility often prompts individuals to seek medical attention.

A thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional, including physical examination and imaging studies like MRI, can confirm the diagnosis. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, whether conservative or surgical, are essential for effective recovery and restoring normal knee function.

Foregoing treatment for too long may lead to a piece of meniscus coming loose and drifting into the joint space. This can cause the knee to  lock, slip, and pop.

Some meniscus tears can heal on their own, while others may need surgical intervention.  Patients with extensive damage may also require a total meniscus transplant.

Meniscus Tear Procedure

During a meniscus tear procedure, the surgeon begins by making small incisions around the knee to insert an arthroscope, a small camera that provides a clear view of the damaged meniscus. Using specialized surgical instruments, the surgeon assesses the extent of the tear and decides whether to repair or remove the damaged tissue.

If the tear is repairable, the surgeon uses sutures or anchors to stitch the torn pieces together, promoting natural healing. In cases where the tear is irreparable, the surgeon removes the damaged portion of the meniscus to alleviate pain and prevent further damage to the knee joint.

After addressing the meniscus tear, the surgeon carefully removes the instruments and closes the incisions with sutures or sterile strips. The knee is then bandaged and often placed in a brace to stabilize it during the initial recovery period.

Post-operative care typically includes physical therapy to restore strength and mobility, ensuring a successful recovery and return to normal activities. Regular follow-up appointments help monitor healing and address any complications promptly.

Meniscus Tear Recovery

If you would like to speak to an orthopedic specialist in the DFW metroplex, give us a call at 817-697-4038, or contact us over the web. Tele-medicine appointments are also available.