Torn Meniscus-torn knee cartilage not limited to athletes or sports.
Edited By: Carol C. Teitz, M.D.
Last updated Wednesday, January 12, 2005
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Causes and effectsCauses Meniscus tears can occur in all age groups. Traumatic tears are most
common in active people from age 10-45. Degenerative tears are most
common in people from age 40 upward.
Degenerative meniscal tears are thought to occur as part of the
aging process when the collagen fibers within the meniscus start to
break down and lend less support to the structure of the menicus.
Degenerative tears are usually horizontal in the meniscus producing
both an upper and lower segment of meniscus. These segments usually
don't move out of place and therefore are less likely to produce
mechanical symptoms of catching or locking. Traumatic meniscal tears
are usually radial or vertical in the meniscus and are more likely to
produce a moveable fragment that can catch in the knee and therefore
require surgical treatment.
Degenerative meniscal tears are also more common in smokers.
Most traumatic meniscal tears occur as a result of a twisting injury
when the knee rotates but the foot stays fixed in position. The
meniscus can also tear from extreme bending of the knee. The
combination of bend, rotation, and sudden kick that occurs in some
forms of martial arts is associated with lateral meniscal tears. Effects A torn meniscus can prevent normal pain-free motion of the knee and
therefore can interfere with the patient's ability to climb stairs or
get in and out of chairs and cars. Sometimes the pain in the knee
causes the brain to shut off the Quadriceps muscle at the knee and
leads to a "giving way" sensation.
In addition to causing problems in activities of daily living, a
torn meniscus usually interferes with the ability to participate in
active sports, particularly when they involve twisting motions. Surgery for Torn Meniscus-torn knee cartilage at the University of Washington, Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, Seattle, Washington If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure in Seattle, you can request an appointment using our online referrals website. To request a referral online, please click here. You can also call 206-543-1552 or 425-646-7777 to make an appointment. Our clinical center is located in Seattle Washington, USA
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