Liv Hospital Orthopedics and Traumatology Specialist Assoc. Dr. Ömer Kays Ünal stated that the menisci, the secret heroes and protectors of the knee joint, can be injured for various reasons and explained the types of trauma and treatment methods.
Assoc. Prof. stated that menisci can be injured for various reasons. Dr. Ömer Kays Ünal said the following as trauma types:
“When making rapid twisting movements or making a sudden turn, the menisci in the knee can tear. Especially during sports activities, such movements are one of the common causes. Meniscus tears can occur when bending or bending the knee, especially when it is overexerted or bent improperly. This can occur when the knee bends or flexes suddenly. A direct blow to your knee as a result of a fall can cause meniscus tears. Such injuries may occur especially in cases of falling from a high place or falling to the ground during sports. Meniscus ages and weakens over time. This natural aging process can lead to wear and tear of the menisci. Therefore, aging is a common cause of meniscus tears.”
Assoc. Dr. Ömer Kays Ünal emphasized that meniscus tears usually occur as a result of traumatic events and can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling and limitation of movement.
Assoc. Dr. Ünal stated that meniscus tears can occur in different types and said: “Straight tear (Linear tear): This type of tear occurs in the form of a line starting from the middle of the meniscus and extending outward. Straight tears usually extend from one edge of the tear to the other. Partial tears: These are tears that occur when several pieces of the meniscus break off. “These broken pieces can get stuck in the knee joint and cause pain, swelling and limitation of movement.” He made a statement.
Meniscus trauma treatments are provided by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ünal listed it as follows:
“Medication: The doctor may recommend medications to control pain and inflammation.
Physical therapy: Physical therapy programs can be applied to strengthen knee muscles and increase joint flexibility. This can speed up the healing process of the injured meniscus.
Knee splint or crutches: Can be used to support and protect the knee. It is especially used in the early stages of injury.
Surgical treatment of meniscus tears: Meniscus tears may sometimes require surgical intervention. Surgical treatment is recommended by doctors depending on the size and type of the tear and the age of the patient. Here is basic information about the surgical treatment of meniscus tears:
Arthroscopic surgery: Arthroscopic surgery, which is generally a minimally invasive method, provides access to the knee joint through small incisions. This method offers faster recovery time and less risk of complications. The doctor can repair or remove the torn piece.
Open surgery: This method, which was more frequently used in the past, has now been abandoned. Open surgery may require a larger incision and is often used for large tears or complex conditions. In this method, the doctor repairs the meniscus or removes the cut section.
Meniscus transplant: In rare cases, a meniscus tear can be so serious that it becomes irreparable. In this case, transplantation of an intact meniscus from the donor may be considered. However, meniscus transplantation is a rare procedure and is evaluated with care.”