23/07/2025
🦵 MENISCUS INJURY – A Common Knee Problem
💠 What is Meniscus?
The meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage in the knee that acts as a shock absorber, cushioning the joint and ensuring smooth movement.
🧠 History & Naming
🔤 Meniscus comes from the Greek word “meniskos” meaning crescent.
It resembles a crescent moon shape inside the knee joint.
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⚠️ Causes
🔹 Twisting or rotating the knee forcefully
🏃♂️ Sports like football, basketball, skiing
👴 Age-related degeneration
❗ Sudden squat or heavy lifting
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😖 Signs & Symptoms
🧊 Swelling or stiffness
🚫 Difficulty straightening the knee
🎯 Pain during twisting or squatting
🔊 Popping or clicking sound
🧷 Locking sensation in the knee
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📉 Risk Factors
⏳ Age (wear and tear)
🏋️♂️ Heavy lifting or sports
⚖️ Obesity
🏃♀️ Previous knee injuries
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🦠 Pathomechanism
The meniscus can tear due to:
➤ Shear forces during rotation
➤ Compression during impact
➤ Degeneration in older adults
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🔍 Diagnosis
🧪 Physical Tests:
✔️ McMurray Test
✔️ Thessaly Test
✔️ Joint Line Tenderness
🖥️ Imaging:
✔️ MRI (best for visualizing tear)
✔️ X-ray to rule out bone injury
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🩹 Conservative Treatment
🌿 Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (RICE)
💊 NSAIDs for pain
🦯 Knee brace or crutches if needed
🧘♂️ Activity modification
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💪 Physiotherapy & Rehab
🌀 Strengthen quadriceps & hamstring
🏃♂️ Balance & proprioception training
🧘♂️ Range of Motion exercises
🧠 Avoid deep squats and twisting
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🧧 Acupuncture Points (optional)
🪡 ST35, GB34, SP9, EX-LE4
👉 Used to relieve pain & reduce swelling
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🏥 Surgical Options (if severe)
🔧 Arthroscopic meniscectomy
🔩 Meniscus repair
🧬 Meniscus transplant (in young adults)
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🏡 Home Advice
✅ Use knee support during activity
🧊 Apply ice after activity
🚫 Avoid running, jumping, or deep squats
🪑 Use elevated chairs to reduce strain
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🔁 Rehabilitation Timeline
📆 4–6 weeks for mild cases
📆 3–6 months for post-surgery rerecovery
Doctor of physical therapy
