Torn Meniscus-torn knee cartilage not limited to athletes or sports.
Edited By: Carol C. Teitz, M.D.
Last updated Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Prognosis and impactsHow serious is torn meniscus-torn knee cartilage? Is torn meniscus-torn knee cartilage chronic? A torn meniscus is certainly not life threatening and once treated, the knee will usually function normally for many years.
A meniscal tear that catches, locks the knee, or produces swelling on a frequent or chronic basis should be removed
or repaired before it damages the articular (gliding) cartilage in the
knee. A meniscal tear that produces discomfort but does not produce any
of the symptoms mentioned above may be less likely to damage the rest
of the knee. One may choose to "live" with this type of meniscal tear
instead of treating it operatively.
Will torn meniscus-torn knee cartilage cause pain? A torn meniscus usually produces well localized pain in the knee. The
pain often is worse during twisting or squatting motions. Unless the
torn meniscus has locked the knee, many people with a torn meniscus can
walk, stand, sit, and sleep without pain. Other people find that the
torn meniscus prevents them from participating comfortably in their
usual daily activities.Is torn meniscus-torn knee cartilage curable? Symptoms of a torn meniscus, particularly pain, swelling, catching and locking, can be relieved by surgically removing
or repairing the torn piece of meniscus. Meniscal repair is reserved
for tears in the part of the meniscus that has blood supply.
A slightly different situation exists in the case of a degenerative
meniscal tear associated with osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis in the
knee is frequently associated with small degenerative meniscal tears
and vice versa. Imaging studies of patients over age 45 with no
symptoms in their knees have found that some people have degenerative
meniscal tears that they aren't aware of.
The acute symptoms from a new degenerative meniscal tear (pain and
swelling) may resolve over a few months time even though the torn area
has not healed or been removed. On the other hand, when mechanical
symptoms such as catching or locking are present, these symptoms are
less likely to resolve without surgery. Will torn meniscus-torn knee cartilage change the patient's ability to move about? 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.Will torn meniscus-torn knee cartilage alter activities of daily living (e.g. work, sports, housework, etc.)? 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 If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure, 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.
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