The meniscus is a cartilage piece that is shaped like a ‘C’ and is located in each of your knee joints. It plays a crucial role in stabilising the knee joint, absorbing shock, and aiding in smooth joint movement.
A torn meniscus occurs when the cartilage is damaged or torn due to various factors, such as sudden twisting, deep squatting and repetitive stress on the knee joint. This injury can cause pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the affected knee.
Sudden, forceful twisting or impact to the knee during sports or accidents.
Natural wear and tear due to ageing makes the meniscus more vulnerable.
Engaging in frequent squatting, kneeling, or pivoting activities can increase the risk.
Excess weight stresses the knee joint, making it more susceptible to injury.
We may hear a “popping” sound when the injury occurs, followed by leg buckling when trying to stand on it, pain and limitation of movement. This may indicate a ligament injury. Meniscus tear tends to appear concurrently with severe ligamentous injuries.
We may also experience:
Knee injuries are diagnosed by proper history and physical examination. Other special investigative tools may be ordered. These include:
If the meniscus is torn, it can either be repaired or removed if it is damaged beyond repair.
Pain and swelling from meniscus tears can be reduced with anti-inflammatory medications. Your orthopaedic specialist will determine the appropriate medication and dosage for your case.
Physiotherapy focuses on strengthening the muscles around the knee joint, improving joint stability and enhancing the range of motion. It is often recommended for individuals with less severe meniscus tears.
Arthroscopic meniscus repair is a minimally invasive surgery that involves using a tiny camera (arthroscope) and making small incisions. This technique lets your surgeon repair the torn meniscus precisely, promoting faster recovery and preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
The surgeon will give you an anesthetic before performing a knee arthroscopy. This may be:
The surgery is performed in the Operating Theatre either under general or local anaesthesia.
The surgeon will insert the arthroscope into the joint through 2 tiny cuts of approximately 1 cm in size. The arthroscope carries fibro-optic lights and is attached to a video camera. This allows visualization of the torn meniscus for successful repair or debridement to be done.
At the end of the procedure, a bulky dressing is applied.
The most suitable treatment option depends on your meniscus tear severity and overall health. Your orthopaedic specialist will evaluate your condition and recommend the best action.
Arthroscopic meniscus repair and partial meniscectomy are typically performed under anaesthesia. Your surgeon will make small incisions, insert specialised instruments, and carefully address the torn meniscus.
Like any surgery, there are potential risks involved. With meniscus tear surgery, complications such as infection, blood clots, or persistent pain may occur. Your surgeon will discuss these with you and take steps to minimise the risk of them occurring.
While some tears are unavoidable, maintaining good knee health through regular exercise, proper warm-up techniques, and avoiding activities that stress the knee can reduce your risk.
Not all meniscus tears require surgery. Less severe tears can often be managed with non-surgical treatments like physiotherapy and medication. Your orthopaedic specialist will help you make an informed decision.
The cost of meniscus tear surgery depends on several factors, including the extent of the injury and the type of procedure. Our specialists can provide a personalised estimate.
Recovery times can vary, but many patients return to normal activities within weeks to months. We will provide a customised rehabilitation plan to aid your recovery.
Spire Orthopaedic’s team of experienced orthopaedic specialists in Singapore is dedicated to providing you with the most effective and personalised treatment options for meniscus tears. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a pain-free, active life.