Meniscus Radial Tear
Arizona Orthopedic Surgery Solutions for Meniscus Radial Tear
What is Meniscus Radial Tear
The meniscus is a piece of rubber-like cartilage in the knee situated within the femur and tibia, or thigh bone and shin bone. This “C” shaped cartilage helps disperse impact and displace force exerted upon the knee while walking, running, and other mild to high-energy and impact motions. There are several kinds of meniscus tears, most of which can be determined with an MRI. A radial tear is extremely usual. Radial tears are found on the inside of the meniscus along the avascular. Radial tears originate from the inside, free edge of the meniscus and spread across the short axis (from the inside of the “C” and across horizontally). A complete radial tear is known as a transection. As there is no blood supply flowing to the avascular, these tears have a small chance of healing on their own.
Meniscus Radial Tear Diagnosis
Meniscus Radial Tear Treatment - Non Surgical
A surgeon takes into account the form of tear as well as your lifestyle. Nonsurgical recovery requires a duration of rest with intense physical therapy. The patient will be able to increase strength in the surrounding muscles while performing everyday knee movements. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used to relieve pain and swelling. Some patients may need a Cortisone injection, a strong, steroidal anti-inflammatory to alleviate symptoms.
Meniscus Radial Tear Treatment - Surgical
As previously stated, the lack of blood supply reaching the inner areas of the meniscus tissue makes it difficult for meniscus tears to heal on their own. If there is continued pain after nonsurgical treatment, a doctor may recommend surgery. Meniscus surgery is an arthroscopic procedure, meaning small cuts are made and a tiny, high definition camera is used to clearly see inside the knee and guide the surgeon’s small instruments. Sometimes, the surgeon is able to fix the tear with small stitches. Other times, the tear is beyond repair, and the surgeon will remove any damaged meniscus tissue to avoid any increased impairment to the knee joint, known as a debridement. A surgeon will evaluate the condition of the meniscus during the arthroscopy and decide if the meniscus can be salvaged or if debridement will be necessary. The tear type, size, and location are all factors contributing to the surgeon’s decision.
