If the surface cartilage is torn, this is most significant as a major shock-absorbing function is compromised. If repaired, one has to avoid sports for a minimum of three months. Occasionally, provided the knee is stable and the tear is a certain type of tear in a young patient (peripheral bucket handle tear), the meniscus may be suitable for repair. It is standard to remove only the torn section of cartilage in the hope that this will delay the onset of long-term wear and tear osteoarthritis. If the entire meniscus is removed, the knee will develop osteoarthritis in 15 to 20 years. Only the torn section is removed and the knee should recover and become symptom free. Torn cartilages in general continue to cause symptoms of discomfort, pain and swelling until the loose, ragged pieces are removed. It is better to remove torn pieces from the knee if the knee is symptomatic. Once the cartilage has torn it predisposes the knee to develop osteoarthritis (wear and tear) in 15 to 20 years. Once a meniscal cartilage has torn it will not heal unless it is a very small tear that is near the capsule of the joint. Locking if the cartilage gets caught between the femur a tibia.Our cartilages become a little brittle as we get older and therefore can tear a little easier. This results either from a sporting injury or may occur from a simple twisting injury when getting out of a chair or standing from a squatting position. There is little value in the use of Ultrasound in investigating knee problems.įollowing a twisting type of injury the medial (or lateral) meniscus can tear. An MRI scan which looks at the cartilages and soft tissues may be needed if the diagnosis is unclear. Thigh muscles are important secondary knee stabilizers.Ī routine X-Ray of the knee, which includes a standing weight-bearing view is usually required. The knee joint is surrounded by a capsule (envelope) that produces a small amount of synovial (lubrication) fluid to help with smooth motion. The (internal) anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments support the knee from buckling and giving way. The medial and lateral collateral ligaments support the knee from excessive side-to-side movement. The knee is stabilized by ligaments that are both in and outside the joint. The menisci also act as shock absorbers and stabilizers. The medial (inner) meniscus and the lateral (outer) meniscus rest on the tibial surface cartilage and are mobile. Between the tibia and femur lie two floating cartilages called menisci. This articular cartilage acts like a shock absorber and allows a smooth low friction surface for the knee to move on. All these bones are lined with articular (surface) cartilage. The knee joint is made up of the femur, tibia and patella (knee cap). The knee is the largest joint in the body. Reconstruction of the Anterior Cruciate ligament.Removal of loose bodies (cartilage or bone that has broken off) and cysts.Torn floating cartilage (meniscus): The cartilage is trimmed to a stable rim or occasionally repaired.Knee arthroscopy is common, and millions of procedures are performed each year around the world.Īrthroscopy is useful in evaluating and treating the following conditions: Most arthroscopic surgery is performed as day surgery and is usually done under general anesthesia. A camera is attached to the arthroscope and the picture is visualized on a TV monitor. The arthroscope is a fiber-optic telescope that can be inserted into a joint (commonly the knee, shoulder and ankle) to evaluate and treat a number of conditions.
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