Restoring Function. Embracing Life.
Knee Meniscus Specialist in Singapore
Dr Bryan Wang
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
Trusted Orthopaedic Surgeon | Fellowship-trained in Canada | With over 20-years of experience
What is Knee Meniscus Tear?
The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage located between the thighbone (femur) and the shinbone (tibia) in the knee joint. Its primary role is to provide stability, cushioning, and load distribution during movement. A meniscus tear occurs when this cartilage is damaged due to sudden twisting, pivoting, or impact.
To reduce the risk of meniscus tears, consider these preventive measures:
Engage in proper warm-up and stretching before physical activity.
Practice good form during sports and exercises to avoid sudden twisting motions.
Maintain strong muscles around the knee joint through regular exercise.
Meniscus tears can result from various factors, including:
Sudden twisting, pivoting, changing of direction or rotation of the knee during sports or activities (such as football, basketball).
Aging and degeneration of the meniscus, making it more prone to tears. This gradual wear-and-tear is common among in older adults or those with arthritis.
Pre-existing knee conditions or structural abnormalities.
Overuse or repetitive stress on the knee joint.
What are the symptoms?
Common symptoms of a meniscus tear include:
Pain, especially when twisting or bearing weight on the affected knee.
Swelling and stiffness around the knee joint.
Difficulty fully bending or straightening the knee, squatting or twisting.
A feeling of the knee "catching" or "locking" during movement.
How to Diagnose?
Clinical assessment will include taking a detailed history and a thorough physical examination of your knee.
Further imaging tests like X-rays, MRI scans and ultrasound scans may occasionally be required. MRI scan is often recommended to detect any possible meniscus tear.
Knee Meniscal Tear Treatment
What are my Treatment options?
Treatment for a meniscus tear depends on factors like the tear's location, size, and the patient's activity level. If you have any of the symptoms above, it is advisable to see an orthopaedic specialist for further assessment.
The appropriate treatment is decided after assessment and a collaborative discussion based on your needs. They can be broadly divided into conservative (non-surgical) and surgical options.
Conservative Treatment
Rest, ice, compression, elevation, and anti-inflammatory medications can help manage pain and swelling. Physical therapy exercises can strengthen surrounding muscles, and improve knee strength and stability.
Knee brace are sometimes prescribed to stablise the knee.
Knee Meniscus Surgical Treatment
Minimally Invasive Procedures:
Arthroscopic meniscus repair may be recommended for larger or more complex tears. The surgeon can repair or trim the torn meniscus through small incisions. Small incisions are made, a camera and instruments are inserted, and the torn meniscus edges are stitched together. As it is generally done in a keyhole fashion, recovery is faster for patients.
This procedure can help preserve the meniscus to maintain knee shock absorption and prevent early arthritis.
Surgical Repair:
In certain cases, surgical repair of the torn meniscus may be possible, particularly for tears located in the outer portion with a good blood supply.
Meniscectomy:
Partial removal of the damaged meniscus may be necessary for irreparable tears or when the torn portion causes persistent symptoms. This is done while leaving as much healthy meniscus as possible. It serves to relieve symptoms while maintaining meniscus function.
