The menisci are two semicircular cartilaginous plates located between the tibia and femur in the knee joint. They improve joint congruence, shock absorption, and protect the knee from premature wear and tear. Damage to the meniscus can be degenerative or acute, and is often classified using the 100 liras system based on MRI studies.
To determine if pain is coming from the meniscus, special tests can be conducted, such as standing on one leg and bending it. Pain from the meniscus is usually located along the joint space and is sharp and deep.
Treatment for meniscus damage depends on the degree of damage. First and second-degree damage is usually not painful and can be excluded from the list of suspects. Third-degree damage may require surgical intervention, especially if there is jamming of the knee joint.
However, if the segment is not completely separated and there is no jamming, conservative treatment may be possible. Athletes who participate in sports that involve twisting and turning, such as football or alpine skiing, may require surgical intervention.
A study found that people who underwent surgery for meniscus damage had similar results to those who had a sham operation after six months. This suggests that conservative treatment may be a viable option for some people.
If you have pain in the knee and suspect meniscus damage, it's essential to determine if the pain is coming from the meniscus, understand the degree of damage, and decide on the best course of treatment. Limiting or avoiding certain sports, such as football and alpine skiing, can help prevent further damage.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The menisci are two semicircular cartilaginous plates located between the tibia and femur.
2. The menisci improve joint congruence, shock absorption, and protect the knee from premature wear and tear.
3. Meniscus damage can be degenerative or acute.
4. Degenerative damage occurs due to long-term loads on the meniscus or aging of the body.
5. Acute damage occurs due to an injury, such as in football or alpine skiing.
6. Meniscus damage can be classified into different degrees, with 100 liras being a common classification system.
7. The first and second degrees of meniscus damage are typically degenerative and not a rupture of the meniscus.
8. The third degree of meniscus damage involves a tear, with 100 liras 3a being a partial tear and 100 liras 3b being a complete tear.
9. To determine if pain comes from the meniscus, special tests can be conducted, such as standing on one leg and bending it.
10. Pain from the meniscus is typically located in the projection of the joint space and can be sharp and deep.
11. A block of the knee joint can be a symptom of meniscus damage.
12. If there is jamming of the knee joint, surgical intervention may be necessary.
13. Type 3 meniscus tears can be treated conservatively, but athletes may require surgery.
14. The red zone of the meniscus, which has vessels, can grow together in 36 months.
15. Conservative treatment of meniscus damage can take longer, but may have similar results to surgery after six months.
16. Team sports, especially football, and alpine skiing should be limited or approached with caution when the meniscus is damaged.
17. Certain exercises, such as squats and deep knee bends, should be avoided or approached with caution when the meniscus is damaged.