Is a lateral meniscus tear serious?
The rubbery piece of cartilage is quite susceptible to tears when the knee twists or turns in unnatural or quick movements. Degenerative tears can also occur with age or due to untreated cumulative traumas. If a tear of the lateral meniscus occurs, it can be minor or severe.
What does lateral meniscus mean?
The lateral meniscus (external semilunar fibrocartilage) is a fibrocartilaginous band that spans the lateral side of the interior of the knee joint. It is one of two menisci of the knee, the other being the medial meniscus. It is nearly circular and covers a larger portion of the articular surface than the medial.
What is the function of the lateral meniscus?
The lateral meniscus absorbs shocks, protecting the joint. It also keeps the joint lubricated and regulates the joint’s movement to prevent hyperextension (overextension). The rubbery nature of the meniscus makes it susceptible to tears when it is twisted during an irregular movement.
What can you do for a lateral meniscus tear?
What’s the Treatment for a Meniscus Tear?
- Rest the knee.
- Ice your knee to reduce pain and swelling.
- Compress your knee.
- Elevate your knee with a pillow under your heel when you’re sitting or lying down.
- Take anti-inflammatory medications.
- Use stretching and strengthening exercises to help reduce stress to your knee.
How long does it take for a lateral meniscus tear to heal?
Meniscus tears are the most frequently treated knee injuries. Recovery will take about 6 to 8 weeks if your meniscus tear is treated conservatively, without surgery.
Can lateral meniscus tear heal itself?
In the case of meniscus tears, some people think the injury will heal over time on its own. But the truth is that there are different types of meniscus tears — and some tears won’t heal without treatment. If your tear is on the outer one-third of the meniscus, it may heal on its own or be repaired surgically.
What is lateral meniscus injury?
What is a lateral meniscus injury? A lateral meniscus injury occurs when the semi-circular cartilage tears, frays or degenerates due to wear and tear. Lateral meniscus injuries are not uncommon and most frequently occur from a traumatic injury, or a forced twisting motion in the knee.
Does a lateral meniscus tear require surgery?
Today, in general, doctors recommend conservative treatment, not surgery, when meniscus tears result from degeneration. Many recent studies have shown that there’s no advantage to surgery with this type of tear, and that physical therapy works just as well.
Will a lateral meniscus tear heal?
Is walking good for meniscus tear?
If your doctor has told you that you don’t need surgery to repair your torn meniscus, you may be given the green light to walk. However, you’ll want to be very careful about movements that might worsen the tear or cause you pain. Avoid squatting and pivoting, which are likely to place too much pressure on the knee.
Do lateral meniscus tears require surgery?
How is a meniscus tear treated? If your MRI indicates a Grade 1 or 2 tear, but your symptoms and physical exam are inconsistent with a tear, surgery may not be needed. Grade 3 meniscus tears usually require surgery, which may include: Arthroscopic repair — An arthroscope is inserted into the knee to see the tear.
What causes lateral meniscus tear?
Lateral meniscal tears that take place from sports occur when the foot is fixed on the ground and a twisting force is applied to the knee (e.g. when another player’s body falls across the leg, or when a player is tackled) or following a forceful jump or landing.
Which is worse medial or lateral meniscus tear?
However, it is well known that if a lateral meniscus is taken out, the consequences are almost always worse than having a medial meniscus resected.
How long does a lateral meniscus tear take to heal?