101 Menisci Tears
Zoë Soon
- Picture shows meniscus in knee
- Meniscus tears commonly known
- Meniscus is cartilage
- Cartoon illustrates red zone (well vascularized) and white zone (less blood vessels)
- Tear in white zone slower to heal due to less blood, oxygen, and nutrients
- Tear in red zone heals more quickly
- Knee cartilages function as shock absorbers and guide range of motion
- Terrible triad: tear in MCL, ACL, and medial meniscus (common in soccer)
- Overuse injuries lead to inflammation in tendons or ligaments
- Inflammation affects nerves in affected regions
- Prevent overuse injuries: ramp up activity, proper warm-up, appropriate shoes/equipment, proper training and technique
- Pain due to micro-tears in meniscus, bleeding, inflammation
- Signs and symptoms: pain on movement
- Treatment: RICE, anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, massage, rest
- Treatment: RICE, fluid aspiration, antibiotics for infection
- PRICE (Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) can help manage symptoms and prevent excessive scar tissue formation.
- Arthroscopy allows surgeons to view and repair joint injuries, such as ligament tears or meniscus tears.
- Viewing scope and surgical instruments for repairing damaged tissue
- Arthography: X-ray or CT scan to view joint damage
- Radio-dense dye (iodine) for X-ray, MRI contrast medium for MRI
- Prevention: proper warm-up, technique, equipment, gradual activity increase
