How Do You Know If Your Child Has a Meniscus Tear?
If you are a parent, there is a good chance you will eventually have to deal with a meniscus tear. Meniscus tears are one of the most common knee injuries in children and can occur during any activity that involves twisting or pivoting. In this blog post, we will discuss what a meniscus tear is, the symptoms of Meniscus tears in children, and how to treat them.
What Is A Meniscus Tear?
The meniscus is a cushioning and stabilizing tissue that covers and protects the femur (thigh bone) as it moves on the tibia (shin bone). It's composed of thick cartilage (fibrocartilage), which provides strength and forms a C-shape on the medial (inner) side of the knee, as well as a more circular shape on the lateral (outer) side.
Sports-related meniscus injuries are the most common cause of acute meniscus tears. These fractures can occur in a variety of locations within the menisci and have diverse tear patterns. They can also be associated with numerous tearing of the ACL, which is on the lateral (outer) side in cases of acute ACL injuries and on the medial (inner) side in cases of chronic ACL tears.
A congenital anatomical variation that is seen almost exclusively on the lateral (outer) side of the knee is the discoid meniscus. As a result, the meniscus is thickened and covers a larger portion of the lateral tibia (shin bone) than normal. There are three types of discoid meniscus that can be damaged. An asymptomatic discoid meniscus does not require any treatment.
The meniscus is an important part of our body's load-bearing, shock-absorbing, and stabilizing properties. It contributes to balance, weight distribution, and posture. Multiple biomechanical research has confirmed the protective function of a healthy meniscus. A damaged meniscus treated with a partial meniscectomy had a higher risk of developing early osteoarthritis.
Who Is at Risk for Meniscus Tears?
A torn meniscus is no longer a rare diagnosis in youth and adolescent athletes. Athletes who participate in sports such as football, soccer, basketball, and hockey are more likely to have this problem. The knee's ability to function and vary in severity depends on the amount of damage caused by a meniscus tear.
Symptoms of Meniscus Tears?
The following are signs of meniscus tears:
Knee soreness
Popping sound when bending the knee
Pain or discomfort around the joint line
Tenderness behind the kneecap
Unable to fully straighten the knee
Knee discomfort while moving
Activity-related knee pain
Stairs and getting up from a seated position difficulties
Patients can walk and put weight on their knees following a meniscal tear. Some sports people attempt to play through the problem. However, continuous activity promotes knee inflammation. Large tears may turn over and become trapped, resulting in a frozen knee.
How Is A Meniscus Tear Diagnosed?
Our physicians conduct a comprehensive physical examination, focusing on the knee's mobility and regions of discomfort. X-rays aid in the exclusion of additional knee problems and an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the inside of the knee is frequently used to confirm the presence of a meniscus tear.
Treatment for Acute Traumatic
Meniscus Tears
Meniscus tears can be treated with various therapies, which focus on reducing pain and inflammation. The typical method in sports medicine for treating meniscus tears is RICE: rest, ice, compression, and elevation of the injured leg. If required, pain medications may also be prescribed. To get around, crutches are acceptable.
Meniscus tears are classified by location and size, as well as the length of time they've been there. Small tears on the edge with an adequate blood supply may heal without treatment. Other wounds do not have the same potential to mend on their own, making surgery necessary.
If surgery is required, we strive to keep as much of the meniscus as possible. Every effort will be made to restore the meniscus. Some tears, on the other hand, are not recoverable and parts of the torn meniscus will be removed and replaced with a stable base.
Treatment for Discoid Meniscus Tears
Tearing of the discoid meniscus is similar to other tears. When tears are symptomatic and cause discomfort, locking, or instability, surgery may be required. Some surgical procedures, on the other hand, differ from acute non-discoid meniscus tears in that we seek to modify or "saucerize" the meniscus rather than repair it.
What Is The Long-Term Outlook After Meniscus Surgery?
Your child will need to begin physical therapy to reduce swelling and build up the quadriceps. If the meniscus is healed, we recommend 4-6 weeks of toe-touch weight bearing with crutches. Some repairs may restrict motion in a 0-90 degree range for 3-4 weeks.
Weight-bearing is permitted as soon as the meniscus has been trimmed (partial meniscectomy), and the quadriceps muscle must be recovered and strengthened before returning to activity.
The good news is that most young athletes are able to recover and resume previous activities following a few months' rest.
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POBAR focuses on acute and chronic sports injuries that are individualized for each patient and their sports, as well as their continuing progress.
Ligament sprains and tears, knee anterior cruciate ligament tears, persistent overuse injuries, and shoulder dislocations are all common conditions that can be treated.