Knee - Arthroscopy and Sport Injury Specialist in Mumbai

Meniscus Tear Surgery

Dr. Aditya Pawaskar is one of top notch knee arthroscopy surgeon and Sport Injury Specialist in Mumbai. With his extensive experience in orthopedics, he provides excellent care and effective treatments for patients with shoulder and knee problems.

A meniscus tear is a common knee injury that involves damage to the meniscus, a C-shaped piece of cartilage that acts as a cushion and stabilizer between the thighbone (femur) and the shinbone (tibia) in the knee joint. Meniscus tears can result from sudden twisting or rotating movements of the knee, often seen in sports or activities that involve pivoting or quick direction changes. They can also occur as a result of degeneration over time, particularly in older individuals.

Symptoms:

• Pain: Meniscus tears often cause pain, especially along the joint line of the knee. The pain can be sharp and may worsen during activities that involve bending or twisting the knee.
• Swelling: Swelling of the knee joint may occur within a day or two of the injury. The knee might feel stiff and tender.
• Clicking or Popping: Some individuals may experience clicking, popping, or locking sensations in the knee when they move.
• Limited Range of Motion: Meniscus tears can lead to a decreased ability to fully bend or straighten the knee.

Treatment:

• Conservative Treatment: Minor meniscus tears may respond well to rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), along with physical therapy to improve knee strength and stability.
• Surgery: If conservative treatments are ineffective or for more severe tears, surgical intervention may be recommended. Arthroscopic surgery is commonly used to trim or repair the torn meniscus. The choice of treatment depends on factors like tear location, type, and patient age.
• Meniscus Repair: In some cases, especially for younger individuals and specific tear types, the torn meniscus may be repairable using sutures, staples, or other techniques.
• Meniscectomy: If the tear is too large or in an area with poor blood supply, the surgeon may need to remove the damaged portion of the meniscus. This procedure is called a meniscectomy.

Sports Prone to Meniscus Tear and Injury Risks:

• Cricket: The constant running, abrupt stops, and quick changes in direction in cricket can contribute to meniscus tears.
• Football (Soccer): Football involves dynamic movements, tackles, and sudden changes in direction, increasing the risk of meniscus injuries.
• Field Hockey: Fast-paced movements and sudden stops in field hockey may lead to meniscus issues requiring surgery
• Badminton: While generally low-impact, the lateral movements and sudden accelerations in badminton can pose a risk of meniscus tears.
• Kabaddi: The physicality of Kabaddi, with frequent tackles and rapid directional changes, may result in meniscus injuries.
• Wrestling: With its intense physical contact and rapid movements, wrestling can contribute to meniscus tears.
• Basketball: Frequent jumping, abrupt stops, and pivoting in basketball increase the likelihood of meniscus injuries.
• Volleyball: Jumping and sudden lateral movements in volleyball may pose a risk to the meniscus.
• Athletics (Track and Field): Certain track and field events, such as sprinting and jumping, can contribute to meniscus injuries.
• Weightlifting: The strain from heavy lifting in weightlifting may impact the meniscus over time.

Consult with Dr. Aditya Pawaskar, a Sports Medicine Specialist in Mumbai, to determine the most appropriate treatment for Knee injuries based on individual cases and the latest medical advancements.