Meniscal Tear

From The Newcastle upon Tyne Wiki

What is meniscal cartilage?

The menisci are two crescentic fibrocartilaginous structures made predominantly of Type 1 collagen. (The predominant collagen in articular cartilage is type II, while the predominant collagen in meniscus of the knee is type I.)

Hyaline cartilage has the following typical composition:-

   * 70% water
   * 15% collagen
   * 15% proteoglycans (protein-glycosamine molecules), chondrocytes (cartilage producing cells), non-collagen proteins, lipids and inorganic material.

The joint surfaces are lubricated by Synovial fluid - Hyaluronic Acid and water.

How to get a meniscal tear

Turning or twisting of the knee may cause tearing of the meniscus. When the torn part is mobile, flexion and extension of the knee can displace the fragment out its normal position. Typical signs and symptoms are clicking, catching or snapping. A knee effusion may or may not be present, but most patients will have jointline tenderness.

Treatments

A comprehensive overview of conventional and alternative treatment is here.

Meniscal resection or repair?

http://www.londonkneeclinic.com/article.asp?section=4&article=20

Alternative Meniscal Tear Treatments

Knee injury FAQ

http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Knee_Problems/default.asp#9

Why doesn't my knee cartilage repair itself?

It is possible for the cartilage to repair itself if it has a supply of blood: unfortunately not all of the cartilage in your knee has a blood supply.

Questions to ask your consultant

Do I need a full or partial meniscectomy
Is the tear in the blood supply zone or not? - Is it going to be stitched or removed?
How much cartilage will be removed and how much will be left?
How long is the reminder likely to last?
What about the newer, alternative solutions listed above?