Meniscus Tear Video
JOI Informational Video of Meniscus Tear by Dr. Kaplan
Watch this Short VIDEO or this Longer Detailed VIDEO that describe a Meniscus tears in the knee joint.
Anatomy of the Meniscus in the Knee
There are 2 types of cartilage in the knee. There is cartilage on the end of the bones in the knee called articular cartilage that is kind of like the teflon coating on the ends of the bones. It allows the knee joint to move smoothly.
There is a cushion the is between the bones. The cushion or Meniscus is shaped like a “C”. There are 2 menisci in the knee.
The human knee vector diagram illustration
Who is at Risk of A Meniscus Tear?
A Meniscus Tear can happen to anyone at any age. In younger athletes, it can happen with sports injuries. In older workers, it may occur with repetitive bending activity or lifting.
What Happens in the Knee When a Meniscus is Torn?
A tear in the meniscus can cause a piece of the meniscal cartilage to flip up and get stuck or caught. This can cause locking and pain in the knee when trying to bend the knee. Swelling and pain are also common with a meniscus tear. This can cause damage to the cartilage on the end of the bones in the knee as well.
Meniscus tears
How do You Treat a Meniscus Tear?
With meniscus tears, physical therapy can help to strengthen the muscles around the knee and stabilize the knee. Often, this is enough to allow the knee to recover.
In other cases, arthroscopic surgery may be needed. Arthroscopic knee surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that allows an orthopedic surgeon to insert a small fiber optic camera into the joint. They also insert a tool that allows them to either trip and smooth the torn part of the meniscal cartilage, or repair the tear.
What is Recovery Like after Meniscus Surgery?
Recovery after meniscus surgery varies from person to person. If we trim or smooth out the cartilage (partial menisectomy), most patients begin weight bearing quickly and return to work in a few days. Physical therapy usually begins 2 days after surgery. Most patients recover in 4 to 6 weeks.
If we repair the meniscus, patients will be non-weight bearing for the first 2 to 4 weeks. This allows the repair to heal better. Once patients can place weight on the leg, strength and return to activity training can progress. This usually takes a 2 to 3 months.
To schedule for physical therapy for a meniscus injury, please call 904-858-7045.
Dr. Kevin Kaplan
Dr. Kevin Kaplan is a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon at the Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute. He is also the Head Team Physician for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Dr. Kaplan specializes in diagnosing and treating orthopedic and sports injuries and has pioneered advanced orthopedic surgical and medical treatments in Northeast Florida. Dr. Kaplan also incorporates Platelet Rich Plasma and Stem Cell Therapies in his practice for patients who may benefit.
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If you have a knee problem, or any other injury, Dr. Kevin Kaplan and the team at the Jacksonville Orthopedic Institute can help. Finally, to schedule an appointment, call (904)JOI-2000, schedule online, or click the link below.
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