Meniscus Tear

Language:English | 中文 | Bahasa

Overview

What is a Meniscus Tear?
Signs and Symptoms of a Meniscus Tear
Types of Meniscus Tears
Risk Factors for a Meniscus Tear
How is a Meniscus Tear Diagnosed?
Meniscus Tear Treatments in Singapore
What If a Meniscus Tear is Left Untreated?
When to Seek Medical Attention

What is a Meniscus Tear?

A meniscus tear is a common knee injury that affects the cartilage in the knee joint. The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of tough, rubbery cartilage that cushions and stabilizes the knee by acting as a shock absorber between the femur (thighbone) and tibia (shinbone).

Meniscus tears can be categorized into different types based on their shape and location, such as radial tears, bucket-handle tears, horizontal tears, and complex tears. The severity of the tear determines the treatment approach and recovery time.

Signs and Symptoms of a Meniscus Tear

The symptoms of a meniscus tear vary depending on the severity of the injury. Common signs include:

Pain – This may occur immediately after the injury or develop over a few hours. The pain is often localized along the joint line of the knee.
Swelling and Stiffness – Swelling usually sets in within a few hours as the knee joint responds to the injury.
Popping Sensation – Some individuals may hear or feel a popping sound at the time of injury.
Locking or Catching – A torn meniscus can cause the knee to lock or catch during movement, making it difficult to straighten or bend fully.
Weakness or Instability – The knee may feel weak or give way unexpectedly while walking or bearing weight.
Limited Range of Motion – A torn meniscus can restrict knee movement, making it painful or difficult to bend or straighten the knee completely.

Suspect that you may have a meniscus tear?

Reach out to us today for a prompt diagnosis and effective treatment.

CALL US WHATSAPP

Types of Meniscus Tears

A radial tear is one of the most common types of meniscus tears and occurs in the central portion of the meniscus. Because this area has poor blood supply, radial tears typically cannot heal on their own. In most cases, treatment involves a partial meniscectomy to remove the damaged portion while preserving as much healthy meniscus as possible.

A horizontal tear runs parallel to the surface of the meniscus, splitting it into upper and lower layers. Horizontal tears located in the outer portion of the meniscus, where blood supply is better, may be repairable. However, if the tear extends into the inner region with poor blood flow, surgical trimming may be necessary.

A vertical or longitudinal tear runs along the length of the meniscus, following its natural curve. This type of tear is more common in younger individuals and often has the potential for healing if located in the outer, vascularized portion of the meniscus.

A flap tear occurs when a portion of the meniscus is torn in a way that creates a loose flap of tissue. This flap can move abnormally within the joint, leading to symptoms such as catching, locking, or intermittent pain. Flap tears are usually not repairable and are best managed with a partial meniscectomy to remove the unstable fragment.

A complex tear involves multiple tear patterns combined. These tears are more common in degenerative knees and often do not have a straightforward surgical solution. Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and overall knee function, ranging from conservative management (physiotherapy and injections) to surgery.

A degenerative tear is most commonly seen in older individuals as a result of wear and tear over time. These tears often develop gradually and are often associated with knee osteoarthritis. Unlike acute tears, treatment for degenerative tears usually focuses on symptom management through physiotherapy, pain relief, and activity modifications.

Risk Factors for a Meniscus Tear

Several factors can increase the risk of a meniscus tear, including:

Age – Older adults are more prone to degenerative meniscus tears due to cartilage wear and tear over time.
Athletic Activities – Sports that involve sudden stops, pivots, and twisting motions (such as soccer, basketball, and football) increase the risk of meniscus injuries.
Occupational Factors – Jobs that require frequent squatting, kneeling, or lifting heavy objects can place strain on the knee joint.
Previous Knee Injuries – A history of knee injuries can make the meniscus more susceptible to tearing.
Obesity – Excess body weight places additional stress on the knee joint, increasing the likelihood of meniscal damage.
Poor Conditioning – Weak or imbalanced thigh muscles may fail to support and stabilize the knee properly, raising the risk of injury.

How is a Meniscus Tear Diagnosed?

The doctor will ask about the nature of the injury, symptoms, and any previous knee problems. They will perform physical tests to check for pain or clicking in the knee, as well as range of motion.

X-rays – While X-rays do not show cartilage, they help rule out other knee problems like fractures or arthritis.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – This is the most effective imaging test for detecting meniscus tears, as it provides detailed images of soft tissues, including cartilage and ligaments.

Meniscus Tear Treatments in Singapore

Treatment for a meniscus tear depends on the severity, location, and the patient’s activity level. Options range from conservative approaches to surgical interventions.

Conservative Treatments

Meniscus Tear Surgery Options

Conservative Treatments

Rest – Avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms helps the meniscus heal naturally.
Ice Therapy – Applying ice packs for 15-20 minutes several times a day reduces swelling and pain.
Compression – Using a knee brace or compression bandage provides support and reduces swelling.
Elevation – Keeping the leg elevated minimizes swelling by improving fluid drainage.
Pain Medications – Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen can help manage pain and inflammation.
Physiotherapy – Strengthening exercises for the quadriceps, hamstrings, and surrounding muscles enhance knee stability and function.

What If a Meniscus Tear is Left Untreated?

Ignoring a meniscus tear can lead to complications and long-term knee problems. These include:

Chronic Pain and Swelling – The knee may remain swollen and painful, limiting mobility.
Knee Instability – An untreated tear can weaken knee stability, increasing the risk of further injuries.
Degenerative Joint Changes – Over time, the uneven pressure distribution in the knee joint can accelerate cartilage breakdown, leading to osteoarthritis.
Loss of Function – Severe, untreated tears may make it difficult to perform daily activities, such as walking, squatting, or climbing stairs.

When to Seek Medical Attention

It is crucial to see a doctor if you experience:

Severe knee pain that does not improve with rest or home treatments.
Persistent swelling or stiffness lasting more than a few days.
Difficulty fully bending or straightening the knee.
A feeling of instability or the knee giving way.
A locking or catching sensation in the knee.
A history of knee injuries with recurring pain or discomfort.

Timely medical evaluation and appropriate treatment can prevent complications and ensure optimal recovery.

GET IN TOUCH

For more information about our services, or to make an appointment, please reach out to us. We will get back to you as soon as possible.

Call us

+65 6253 7111

whatsapp us

+65 8838 7111

Frequently Asked Questions

High-impact sports such as basketball, soccer, and football, or activities involving sudden twisting motions or heavy lifting, can increase the risk of a meniscus tear.

Some small meniscus tears may heal on their own with rest and physical therapy. However, larger tears or those in areas with poor blood supply may require medical intervention, such as surgery.

Yes, if left untreated, a meniscus tear can lead to uneven wear on the knee joint, which increases the risk of developing osteoarthritis over time.

Yes, a meniscus tear can alter the way the knee moves, which may put added stress on other knee structures such as ligaments, the cartilage, and the joint itself, potentially leading to further injuries.

Not always. Surgery is typically considered when conservative treatments (such as rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications) don’t alleviate symptoms, or if the tear is severe or in a location that doesn’t heal well on its own.

Yes, in many cases, people can still walk with a meniscus tear, but they may experience pain, swelling, and stiffness. It’s important to rest and avoid activities that exacerbate the symptoms to prevent further damage.

What is a Meniscus Tear?

Signs and Symptoms of a Meniscus Tear

Suspect that you may have a meniscus tear?

Types of Meniscus Tears

Radial Tear

Horizontal Tear

Vertical (Longitudinal) Tear

Flap Tear

Complex Tear

Degenerative Tear

Risk Factors for a Meniscus Tear

How is a Meniscus Tear Diagnosed?

Medical History and Physical Examination

Imaging Tests

Meniscus Tear Treatments in Singapore

Conservative Treatments

Meniscus Tear Surgery Options

When to Seek Medical Attention

Frequently Asked Questions

What activities increase the risk of a meniscus tear?

Can a meniscus tear heal on its own?

Can a meniscus tear lead to arthritis?

Can a meniscus tear affect other parts of the knee?

Is surgery always required for a meniscus tear?

Can I still walk with a meniscus tear?