Meniscal injuries

Meniscal injuries

The meniscus is a fibro-cartilage pad which facilitates the sliding of the upper part of the knee over the lower part. There is an internal meniscus and an external meniscus on each knee. They can be damaged by a single major trauma (ligament damage is often associated), or a succession of small repetitive traumas.

Medial meniscus tear

Arthroscopic view of medial meniscus tear

Meniscal lesions cause pain, swelling, or blockage of the affected knee.

Treatment is most often done by arthroscopy when conservative treatment fails or is not indicated. The affected meniscus is either sutured, if the age and type of the lesion allow it, or most often partially removed. Return to sports is allowed after one to three months depending on each case.