Meniscus Tear
What is the Meniscus and What Does it Do?
Understanding the anatomy of the knee is crucial in understanding a meniscus injury. The menisci are located in the knee joint, sandwiched between the femur’s weight-bearing surfaces and the tibia. They’re composed of tough, fibrocartilaginous tissue, which gives them a high degree of flexibility and strength. The thicker outer edges attach to the tibia via coronary ligaments, whereas the thinner inner edges are free, creating a wedge shape critical for their shock-absorbing function.
The meniscus is a small but essential part of your knee joint, playing a vital role in its function and longevity. Your knee has two menisci, semicircular, rubbery discs— one on the inside (medial meniscus) and one on the outside (lateral meniscus) of the knee. They work together as shock absorbers between the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia), reducing the impact of forces transferred across the knee joint. They also contribute to knee stability and distribute load across the articular cartilage during weight-bearing activities. Serving the Detroit area, Dr. Ben Mayo, a fellowship-trained knee surgeon, provides patients with expert care and treatment options for meniscus tears. With offices in Livonia and Sterling Heights, Dr. Mayo and his team are committed to helping you regain mobility and improve your quality of life. Contact us today to book your consultation.
Meniscus tears can be categorized based on their pattern, location, and severity. The most common types include longitudinal (vertical) tears, radial (transverse) tears, flap (oblique) tears, bucket-handle tears, and complex (mixed) tears. They can also be torn at their attachments to the bone, called root tears. Each type can have varying degrees of severity, from minor fraying to a complete tear, and can be either stable or unstable, affecting treatment and recovery.
Meniscus injuries often occur during movements that put pressure and simultaneously rotate the knee, common in many sports. Athletes participating in sports like football, soccer, and basketball are particularly vulnerable. Non-athletes can also suffer from meniscus tears, often resulting from deep knee bending during everyday activities or sudden awkward movements. Furthermore, aging brings about degenerative changes in the knee, leading to a more brittle meniscus that can tear even with minor trauma or normal daily activities.
The meniscus has a limited blood supply, which is vital for natural healing. This blood supply is primarily in the peripheral (outer) one-third of the meniscus, known as the “red-red” zone. Tears in this region have a better chance of healing on their own or with repair surgery due to the rich blood supply. Conversely, tears in the “white-white” zone (the inner two-thirds) are less likely to heal without intervention due to a lack of blood supply.
When you experience a meniscus tear, you might feel a “pop” in your knee. Acutely, this might be accompanied by sharp, localized pain within the knee joint, swelling, and difficulty moving the knee through its full range of motion. You may even notice your knee locking or catching during movement, or it may feel unstable as if it’s going to give way. Over time, the symptoms may subside, but without appropriate treatment, persistent pain, instability, and limited knee function may develop. Chronic meniscus injuries can also increase the risk of developing knee arthritis over time.
Diagnosis of a meniscus injury begins with a detailed medical history and physical examination. During the physical examination, specific maneuvers can be used to put stress on the meniscus and elicit symptoms to help identify the injury. Imaging studies, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), can also be used to visualize the meniscus and confirm the diagnosis.
Schedule a knee consultation
If you have symptoms consistent with a meniscus tear, it’s important to be evaluated by an expert knee surgeon like Dr. Ben Mayo. As a fellowship trained sports surgeon with specialization in meniscus tears, Dr. Ben Mayo provides not just solutions, but comprehensive, tailored care aimed at quick and effective recovery. Dr. Mayo is conveniently located with clinics in Sterling Heights and Livonia to serve nearby communities such as Troy, Canton, Macomb, Farmington Hills, Novi, and Royal Oak. If you or a family member suffer from a meniscus tear, contact Dr. Mayo to schedule a consultation today.
At a Glance
Ben Mayo, MD
- Fellowship Trained Sports Surgeon
- Specializes in Minimally Invasive Arthroscopic Shoulder, Elbow, Hip, & Knee Surgery
- Published over 50 peer-reviewed articles and 10 book chapters
- Learn more