Definition:
Torn meniscus is a condition in which the knee is forcefully twisted or rotated due to certain activities.
Diagnosis:
The doctor conducts a physical examination to identify a torn meniscus. To confirm his or her diagnosis as well as reveal the extent of the tear, the doctor may use an X-ray of the knee or magnetic resonance imaging. Sometimes, the doctor uses an arthroscope to study the inside of the knee.
Treatment:
Sometimes, the condition only requires rest, ice, and medication. However, some cases may also require surgical repair.
Symptoms and Signs:
The affected individual experiences a popping sensation in the knee, after which swelling and pain occur. He or she may have trouble walking or bearing his or her weight on the affected knee especially if a flap of the torn cartilage has locked the knee joint.
Causes:
Aggressive pivoting or sudden stops and turns usually cause the knee to become twisted or rotated resulting in a torn meniscus. Kneeling, squatting, or lifting heavy loads sometimes leads to a torn meniscus. Degenerative changes of the knee in older adults may contribute to a torn meniscus.
