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Knee

Meniscus Tears

What is the meniscus?

The meniscus is made up of a special type of cartilage called fibrocartilage. It serves as a cushion between the femur (thighbone) and the tibia (shinbone). There are two menisci in each knee, one on the outside and the other on the inside of the knee joint. They attach to the shin bone, called the tibia, and fit between the tibia, and the upper leg bone, called the femur. The meniscus stabilizes the knee, absorbs shock, and distributes weight across the knee joint. Meniscus tears are a common injury that affects athletes and non-athletes alike.

The meniscus is divided into two zones: the red zone and the white zone. The red zone is the meniscus’s outer edge and has a good blood supply. Tears in this area are more likely to heal.  The white zone is the inner area of the meniscus and has a poor blood supply. Tears in this area are less likely to heal.

A variety of factors can cause meniscus tears. They are commonly seen in athletes who participate in sports that require twisting and pivoting movements, such as football, basketball, and soccer. More than 50% of people who experience an ACL ligament tear also have meniscus tears. Associated meniscus tears are a strong predictor for the development of knee osteoarthritis.

Meniscus tears can also occur in non-athletes due to a sudden twist, turn, or wear and tear over time. Additionally, as we age, our meniscus tends to degenerate and become more likely to tear, so a simple twist of the knee can tear the meniscus.

Symptoms may vary depending on the severity of the injury. Symptoms may include:

  • Pain and swelling in the knee
  • Stiffness in the knee joint
  • Limited range of motion
  • A popping or clicking sound when the knee is moved
  • Catching and locking
  • A feeling of instability in the knee

If you are experiencing symptoms of a meniscus tear, it is important to see knee surgeon, Dr. Daniel Kaplan for an accurate diagnosis. He will review your medical history and inquire about how you injured your knee and your symptoms.

Dr. Kaplan will perform a physical exam of your knee to check for tenderness and swelling around the knee joint, indicative of a meniscus tear. A special diagnostic test, the McMurry test, involves a series of knee movements to determine if you have a meniscus tear.

He will obtain X-rays to evaluate the general health of the knee joint. If needed, an MRI will be obtained to better look at the knee joint, potentially confirm a tear and its location, and determine the extent of the injury.

Schedule an orthopedics consultation today.

If you’ve suffered a meniscus tear, schedule an orthopedic consultation today with Brooklyn’s leading knee surgeon, Dr. Daniel Kaplan. Dr. Kaplan is an Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at NYU Langone Medical Center in Manhattan and Brooklyn. He is also the chief of sports medicine at Bellevue Hospital and the chief of sports medicine at the VA hospital in Manhattan. He is a Sports Medicine and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in diagnosing and treating knee conditions. You’re in expert hands.

 

At a Glance

Dr. Daniel Kaplan

  • Fellowship-trained Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgeon
  • Expertise in Complex Shoulder Hip and Knee minimally-invasive reconstruction procedures
  • Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at NYU
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