Rupture of the knee joint meniscus: symptoms, treatment, consequences

A rupture of the knee joint meniscus: symptoms, photos, treatment without surgery, consequences. Rupture of the medial knee joint meniscus: treatment

In the human body, more than 200 bones, which are joined together immovably, semi-mobile and mobile. The last joint is called the joint. Among all joints, the knee is constantly subjected to stress, there is a high risk of injury.

The joint is formed by bones, numerous ligaments and formations, which serve as depots for depreciation - menisci. Most often, knee pain is caused by their pathologies.

In people up to the age of forty, the leading place is occupied by trauma, and after 50 already affects the degenerative changes in the bone system.

The most serious pathology is the rupture of the knee joint meniscus, the symptoms, the treatment will be discussed in the article.

What is a meniscus?

Meniscus is a cartilaginous plate located between the bones of the thigh and lower leg, which serves to absorb during walking. It consists of body and horns. Meniscus is similar to a crescent whose horns are attached to intercondylar elevations. Menisci are of two types:

1. Lateral. It is located on the outside of the knee, has greater mobility, so less is injured.
2. The rupture of the medial meniscus of the knee joint occurs more often, since it is located closer to the inner edge and has less mobility.

The causes and symptoms of a meniscus rupture will be considered further.

The Purpose of Meniscus

These cartilaginous formations perform the following functions:

• contribute to depreciation and reduce the load on the bones of the knee joint;
• increase in the contact surface of bones, thereby reducing the load on them;
• menisci stabilize the knee;
• they contain receptors that give signals to the brain about the position of the lower limbs.

Side parts of the meniscus blood supply is obtained from the capsule, and the body due to the intracapsular fluid. There are several areas for supplying meniscus with nutrients:

1. The red zone is located in the immediate vicinity of the capsule and receives the maximum blood supply.
2. The intermediate zone receives little food.
3. The white zone is devoid of blood supply from the capsule.

If there is a rupture of the medial meniscus of the knee joint, the treatment is selected depending on the area of ​​injury.

Causes of a Meniscus Trauma

Most often, a break in the meniscus can:

• Traumatic impact.
• Sharp abduction of the lower leg.
• Sharp and maximum extension in the knee joint.
• Knock on the knee.

After 50 years, a break in the meniscus can be triggered by degenerative changes in the composition of the bones.

Types of damage to meniscuses

The rupture of the medial meniscus of the knee joint is one of the frequent injuries. Most often occurs in athletes, professional dancers, as well as those who engage in heavy physical labor. Depending on the variety of damage are distinguished:

1. vertical gap;
2. oblique;
3. degenerative rupture, when there is a massive destruction of the meniscus tissue;
4. radial;
5. horizontal rupture;
6. trauma of the meniscus horns.

As a result of injury, damage to the outer or inner meniscus or both can occur.

Symptoms of a meniscus rupture

If we take into account the nature of the cause of the rupture, then they are divided into two types:

• The traumatic rupture of the knee joint meniscus symptoms is characteristic and proceeds acutely.
• The degenerative rupture is characterized by a chronic course, so the symptoms are smoothened and there are no vivid clinical manifestations.

Acute trauma of the meniscus is manifested:

1. Sharp and severe pain.
2. Edema.
3. Disturbance of mobility of the joint.

But to put the correct diagnosis can only the doctor, because such symptoms can talk about many injuries, for example, a dislocation or rupture of ligaments.

If you do not take any measures, then after a couple of weeks the meniscus tear of the knee joint symptoms, the photo shows it, shows already secondary ones, which include:

• The accumulation of fluid in the joint cavity.
• The knee is bent in a semi-bent position.
• The muscles of the thighs lose their tone.
• Sometimes in the joint space you can find a meniscus.

If there is a rupture of the knee joint meniscus, the treatment will depend on the severity of the injury.

The severity of the meniscus rupture

Given the extent of the serious injury of the meniscus, the doctor will prescribe therapy. And the degree of damage are the following:

1. 1 degree, when there is a small gap, pain is minor, there is a swelling. Symptoms disappear on their own in a couple of weeks.
2. 2 degree of moderate severity. Appears acute pain in the knee, swelling, movement is limited. At the slightest load, there is pain in the joint. If there is such a rupture of the knee joint meniscus, it can be cured without surgery, but without appropriate therapy, the pathology becomes chronic.
3. 3 degree of rupture is the heaviest. There is not only pain, swelling, but also there is a hemorrhage in the joint cavity. Meniscus is almost completely smashed, this degree requires mandatory surgical treatment.

Establishing diagnosis

If there is a suspicion of a meniscus injury, you should definitely consult a doctor. The surgeon after a detailed examination will determine the severity of the injury, its location, but in order to accurately recognize the meniscus rupture, it is necessary to undergo a series of studies:

• Radiography is the easiest way to diagnose. Due to the fact that the meniscus is not visible in the image, the examination is carried out using a contrast medium.
• MRI.
• Arthroscopy allows you to look inside the joint and determine the severity of the lesion.

After confirming the diagnosis, the doctor can prescribe an effective treatment.

Types of therapy for a meniscus injury

If the diagnosis of a knee joint meniscus rupture is confirmed, treatment without surgery includes the following directions:

1. Conservative therapy.
2. Treatment with the help of folk methods.

If there is an extensive rupture of the knee joint meniscus, treatment without surgery will not help. Without the help of competent surgeons can not do.

Conservative treatment

This type of therapy includes the following:

1. First aid, which is as follows:

1. Ensuring complete peace.
2. Use of cold compress.
3. Use of painkillers.
4. If fluid accumulates, you will have to resort to a puncture.
5. The imposition of a plaster bandage, although some doctors consider this impractical.

2. Compliance with bed rest.

3. The gypsum langeta is applied for a period of not less than 2-3 weeks.

4. Remove the blockade of the knee joint.

5. Application in the treatment of physiotherapy methods and therapeutic gymnastics.

6. Inflammation and pain syndrome is removed with the help of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: Diclofenk, Ibuprofen, Meloksikam.

7. Chondroprotectors: "Glucosamine "Khondratin sulfate" help the early restoration of cartilaginous tissue.

8. The use of external agents in the form of ointments and creams will help to recover faster after an injury. Most often use "Ketoral "Voltaren "Dolgit" and others.

If the treatment is selected correctly, then after 6-8 weeks, recovery will occur.

Surgical intervention

If a knee joint meniscus rupture is obtained, some symptoms may become an indication for surgical intervention:

• the tissue of the meniscus is crushed;
• there was a displacement of the meniscus or its rupture into parts;
• presence of blood in the joint cavity;
• no results from treatment.

Surgical intervention can be carried out by several methods:

1. If the discontinuity of the knee joint meniscus symptoms is acute due to the almost complete decomposition of the cartilaginous tissue, the removal of the meniscus or part of it is indicated. The operation is rather traumatic and can relieve pain only in 50-60% of cases.

2. Restoration of the meniscus. For such manipulation, surgeons are usually taken when the operation is performed for young people and then under certain conditions:

• longitudinal rupture;
• peripheral rupture;
• if the meniscus came off the capsule;
• peripheral rupture with displacement;
• in the absence of degenerative changes.

With such an intervention, it is important to consider the location of the rupture and the duration of the injury.

3. Arthroscopic method is less traumatic and modern. With this intervention, a minimal disturbance of neighboring tissues occurs. To sew the meniscus use special needles, the stitch is strong.

5. Meniscus transplantation is carried out in the event that something is impossible to do. There are some contraindications for this method:

• degenerative changes;
• elderly age;
• somatic diseases;
• knee instability.

What method of surgical intervention is preferred in each case by the doctor.

Rehabilitation after surgery

Not only is it important to perform an operation correctly, but success will depend on the recovery period. After the operation, it is important to follow certain recommendations:

1. Perform special exercises under the guidance of an experienced mentor, which will contribute to the development of the joint.
2. Chondroprotectors, anti-inflammatory drugs are mandatory.
3. A great help in recovery will be physiotherapy and massage.
4. No physical activity for at least six months, and better all 12 months.

If you follow all the recommendations of the doctor, then the recovery process will be successful.

Traditional methods of treatment

If the symptoms of the meniscus of the knee joint are not so acute, the treatment with folk remedies along with conservative therapies can very well provide effective help. Here is a list of the most popular recipes:

1. In the first hours and days after getting injured to a sore spot, apply ice.
2. Necessarily complete rest and the leg should be located above the level of the heart.
3. You can use a warming compress using honey, it will not only take away the inflammatory process, but also relieve the pain. Prepare it as follows: combine the same amount of alcohol and honey, mix well, moisten a napkin and attach to a sore spot. Top with a warm scarf and hold for several hours.
4. Grind with a blender fresh bulb, mix with 1 teaspoon of sugar and apply on a napkin to the injured knee. Top with a plastic wrap and secure. In this condition, leave for the night. Such manipulation must be done every day, if the meniscus is not displaced, it must be restored.
5. Burdock can also help if it is crushed and applied to a sore spot. Secure the bandage and hold for 3 hours, then change.

If the meniscus of the knee joint shows enough severity and symptoms does not help, then it will be necessary to resort to prompt intervention.

Consequences of damage to the meniscus

If there is a break in the meniscus, then such a trauma is considered quite serious. Most often, the pathology of the joints does not pass without a trace, even with the appropriate treatment. If a knee joint meniscus rupture was diagnosed, the consequences may be as follows:

1. Repeated rupture. This is often enough even after surgery. That is why after the rehabilitation period, you have to take care of your knees all the same, it is necessary to limit active sports activities.
2. Education with hematomas. They can stay after the operation and cause pain. Such consequences need urgent elimination, the patient will have to undergo a long period of rehabilitation and complex medication.
3. The development of the inflammatory process, which often happens, if you do not try to eliminate the remaining hematomas or there was an unsuccessful surgical intervention. Even if the treatment was successful, this does not guarantee the absence of problems in the future, therefore it is necessary to visit the doctor periodically for examination.
4. It is also necessary to remember that after the operation there will be swelling of the joint, but after a while all this will pass, if not, then it is necessary to inform the doctor.
5. Discomfort after discharge from the hospital remains for a while, but it is getting smaller as medications are taken. But if it does not subside, but becomes more intense, then it can be said that a complication develops in the form of a hemorrhage into the joint or a purulent inflammatory process. In such situations, the doctor can not do without the help.

How to prevent a meniscus injury?

Everyone can get such an injury, but it is better to prevent the meniscus from breaking or to reduce its probability. For this, the training of knee joints is perfect.

But do not mean the use of heavy loads, it is enough to ride regularly on a bicycle, go for a walk, run, so that the meniscus becomes stronger, then the probability of a break will be minimal.

We examined how the meniscus of the knee joint shows signs of what therapies are used, but it is better not to let such traumas. Take care of yourself and your health.

A source: http://.ru/article/247603/razryiv-meniska-kolennogo-sustava-simptomyi-foto-lechenie-bez-operatsii-posledstviya-razryiv-medialnogo-meniska-kolennogo-sustava-lechenie

Meniscus rupture: symptoms and treatment

A meniscus rupture is one of the most common internal injuries of the knee joint.

Often subject to it are professional athletes, but this disorder is not excluded in people who are not associated with constant overstrain of the lower extremities.

There are two types of meniscus external (lateral) and internal (medial). Often such a disease is diagnosed in people from eighteen to forty.

In children under the age of fourteen, the disorder is rare. The rupture of the medial meniscus of the knee joint is more common than the external one. It is very rare to break the two menisci simultaneously.

The main reasons for which this disorder progresses are too sharp bending of the shin or a direct knee stroke.

Signs that speak about the damage are considered to be the emergence of a sharp pain, a significant restriction of the movements of the joint of the injured limb, puffiness in comparison with a healthy leg.

In the chronic form of the disease, such basic symptoms as moderate pain syndrome, repeated blockades of the joint, effusion are expressed.

Treatment consists of ensuring complete rest of the injured limb, taking anti-inflammatory drugs, physiotherapy and exercise therapy.

In the absence of efficacy of this therapy, a meniscus stitching operation is performed using seams and special constructions, as well as its complete or partial removal.

In the period of restoring limb mobility, after performing an operative intervention, rehabilitative procedures for physiotherapy and therapeutic massage are prescribed.

Etiology

The most common cause of the manifestation of a meniscus rupture is a trauma in which the lower leg rotated inward, in such cases the lateral meniscus is damaged, or outwardly - is torn the medial meniscus. Other predisposing factors are:

1. excessive bending of the knee under the influence of gravity;
2. sharp abduction of the lower leg;
3. rheumatism and gout are the main causes of degenerative rupture, in which cyst formation is observed;
4. secondary injuries, bruises or sprains;
5. strong physical activity with a high body weight;
6. long torsion on one leg;
7. running on an uneven surface;
8. congenital anomaly of functioning in the form of weakness of joints and ligaments;
9. inflammation in the knee of a chronic nature.

Varieties

Classification of meniscus tears

As was mentioned above, menisci are divided into:

• medial - located between the tibia and the joint capsule;
• lateral - consisting of the anterior and posterior horn, which connect it with a cruciform ligament. The external meniscus is injured several times less often than the inner meniscus.

Depending on the type and location of the lesion, the knee joint meniscus rupture is divided into:

1. longitudinal vertical;
2. scrappy scythe;
3. horizontal;
4. radially transverse;
5. with the presence of damage to the front or rear horn;
6. degenerative. The causes of its occurrence are repeated traumas and aging processes in the body. Treatment is possible only by performing an operation.

In addition, the meniscus damage can be complete and partial, with or without bias. The rupture of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus occurs more often than the anterior one.

When the chronic course of the disease or untimely treatment can be damaged cartilage and anterior cruciate ligament.

The recovery period will be significantly longer than in the acute form of the disease.

Symptoms in the acute course of the disease

The most pronounced symptoms are in the acute course of the disease. This form lasts about a month. Characterized by a sharp appearance of such signs as:

• unbearable pain;
• swelling of the affected area;
• significant limitation of joint mobility;
• the appearance of a crunch during squats - indicates that a person has a rupture of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus;
• bleeding into the joint - often this symptom is accompanied by a rupture of the medial meniscus.

With an old form of rupture, the disease proceeds with a lesser degree of soreness. A significant manifestation of pain occurs only when performing physical exertion. Often there is a complete inability to perform independent movements.

This is considered a severe degree of flow - an operation is appointed for liquidation.

This character of the disease is different in that it is difficult to diagnose the gap, why it is difficult to start any treatment (the symptoms of a meniscus rupture are somewhat similar to those of other pathologies of the musculoskeletal apparatus).

Complications in the absence of adequate therapy

Absence of adequate therapy or complete elimination of the meniscus entails several unpleasant consequences:

• arthrosis - the progression of the disease completely erases the cartilage;
• limitation of passive joint movements;
• complete immobility of the joint - for this reason a person completely loses its motor function.

Such consequences can lead to disability.

Diagnosis of a meniscus tear

The diagnosis of a meniscus rupture is established on the basis of patient complaints, the degree of manifestation of symptoms, examination by a specialist of a damaged limb site.

In addition, it is necessary to inform the doctor about the possible causes of the disease.

To confirm this disease, instrumental examinations are carried out:

1. Radiography with contrast;
2. Ultrasound - makes it possible to detect degenerative processes, ruptures of the anterior or posterior horn of the medial meniscus, assess joint mobility and the degree of separation of the meniscus;
3. CT;
4. MRI is the most informative technique for diagnosing a knee joint meniscus tear. It makes it possible to detect this disorder in the form of a damaged meniscus, as well as the place of origin of the disease - the lateral or medial meniscus;
5. arthroscopy - allows you to determine the cause of the disease. It can be used not only as a diagnostic method, but also used for treatment.

Arthroscopy with a meniscus rupture

During the diagnostic activities, the specialist needs to differentiate the disease from other disorders that have similar meniscus tearing symptoms. Such ailments include - rupture of the cruciate ligament, reflex contracture, dissecting osteochondritis, fractures of the condyles of the tibia.

Treatment conservative and operative

If the first signs of a meniscus rupture appear, you should immediately go to a medical institution or call an ambulance.

In anticipation of the arrival of doctors, it is necessary to provide first aid to the victim - to ensure complete immobilization of the affected limb, apply cold to the knee, but not more than thirty minutes. If the pain does not decrease - give an anesthetic.

In most cases, patients turn to a doctor with significant meniscus damage and the presence of consequences, why not only treatment, but also rehabilitation, will take a lot of time.

The choice of method of therapy depends largely on the results of diagnosis. There are several methods of treatment:

• conservative;
• surgery.

The basis of conservative elimination of the disease is physiotherapy, during which the human body is affected by an electric field of ultrahigh frequency. Therapeutic exercise has no less positive effect and can be carried out with the use of special equipment.

Common restorative exercises affect all muscle groups. In addition, the complex treatment includes a massage course aimed at improving blood supply, eliminating the swelling and pain syndrome.

As the mobility of the injured limb stabilizes, the intensity of the massage is increased. If the joint and cartilage are damaged, the doctor prescribes the use of chondroprotectors necessary for tissue repair.

To medical intervention apply only when other methods of therapy did not give the expected effect, as well as for chronic disease.

Depending on the age group of the patient, the presence of consequences, the location of localization and the nature of the course, one of the following operations is assigned:

• meniscectomy - full or partial removal of a damaged meniscus. Such intervention is necessary if there is a significant destruction of the cartilage, the presence of degeneration or the effects of the disease;
• restoration of the meniscus - an operation to preserve the structure and performance of the meniscus;
• Arthroscopy is the most safe way for a patient to medically intervene. To treat the disorder, diagnostic arthroscopy and stitching of the cartilaginous tissue are performed. This technique is not used to eliminate the rupture of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus;
• transplantation - is applicable with complete destruction of cartilage or ineffectiveness of other techniques;
• internal fixation of the meniscus - due to the fact that this method does not provide for the execution of the incision, but is carried out with the help of special fixatives, the rehabilitation period is significantly reduced.

About a few days after carrying out any type of surgery, the patient is assigned a course of physiotherapy.

The period of rehabilitation restoration of mobility of the knee joint is carried out under the full supervision of specialists.

The main methods used after the surgery are exercises LFK and massage.

Often a favorable prognosis is observed with a lateral or medial meniscus ruptured, provided that the therapy is timely and there are no consequences. Soreness completely disappears, but sometimes gait shakiness, minor lameness and painful spasms can occur when the legs are loaded.

A source: http://SimptoMer.ru/bolezni/sustavy-kosti/2029-razryv-meniska-simptomy

Breaking the meniscus of the knee joint - the first signs, symptoms, surgery and exercise therapy

With an unsuccessful jump, impact, prolonged sitting, a sharp turn can be traumatized. A rupture of the knee joint meniscus is a common type of injury at high physical exertion.

Carrying out the role of shock absorbers, these cartilaginous plates smooth the friction of the bones of the legs. If the damage is not diagnosed in time, the knee joint will bother constantly, complications in the form of its destruction are possible.

Without a doctor, it is impossible to determine the type of injury.

What is a meniscus tear

This problem is faced by athletes and people who lead an active lifestyle. The meniscus of the knee joint is a shock absorber consisting of cartilaginous tissue. During the movement, it contracts.

In the knee are two cartilaginous interlayers - outer (lateral) and internal (medial). If the second one is damaged, the splice is more complicated. Without diagnostics, it is difficult to distinguish a rupture from a bruise.

Damage can be traumatic (with rapid movement) and degenerative (from age). The detached part of the cartilaginous tissue interferes with walking, causing pain.

Meniscus tearing occurs with an incautious turn on one leg, a long squatting. The load in this case becomes high, the cartilaginous layer does not cope with it. A torn meniscus is not capable of performing its functions.

At risk are people with obesity, doing heavy physical work, athletes in contact games (for example, football players, skiers, runners, jumpers, skaters).

It also includes those who suffer from chronic diseases associated with impaired blood circulation, metabolism. Causes of damage:

• heavy loads on the knees;
• unsuccessful leap, squat, uncoordinated movements;
• a blow to the leg, a fall on the edge of the patella;
• natural aging processes;
• repeated injuries, chronic bruises - cause meniscopathy (chronic form);
• gout, microtrauma, intoxication of the body, rheumatism lead to degenerative changes in cartilage.

Symptoms of damage

Damage to the meniscus is easily confused with other diseases of the knee joint. Movement is restricted, there is a sharp pain. Sometimes there is an imaginary recovery with periodic relapses. The affected knee strongly swells.

If you do not tear, and slightly damage the interlayer in the joint, you feel a click. Injury can lead to squeezing the cartilaginous plate, separating it from the capsule, the presence of transverse or longitudinal damage.

To confirm the diagnosis it is necessary to undergo ultrasound, radiography, MRI, CT. Symptoms of a meniscus rupture are as follows:

• blockade of the joint with restriction of motion;
• sensation of an alien object under the patella;
• a roll of the heads of the bones is felt;
• first a sharp pain that can become habitual afterwards;
• edema due to the development of inflammation;
• growing pain in case of circulatory disturbance;
• raising the temperature of the damaged joint;
• pain in descending / ascending stairs.

Consequences without treatment

Proper treatment of the knee joint meniscus rupture without surgery does not bear any negative side effects. It is recommended to limit physical activity so that the injury does not happen again.

The restoration of work capacity will take 2-3 months. To speed up this process, individual physical therapy is prescribed, physiotherapy and massage.

Cartilage tissue after injuries wears out more quickly, osteoporosis develops, arthrosis.

This trauma is more common due to lack of mobility. The rupture of the medial meniscus of the knee joint means damage to the inner cartilaginous plate reminiscent of the shape of the letter "C".

According to the form of injury there are: scrap oblique, horizontal, longitudinal vertical, radial-transverse.

Rupture of lateral meniscus

The outer cartilaginous layer is more mobile, it is more difficult to damage than the medial layer, because it is loosely fixed to the capsule of the joint. Counteraction to non-physiological loads is higher.

To treat damage it is necessary in a complex.

If the rupture of the internal meniscus of the knee joint can occur by itself, the lateral appears in the presence of other problems, for example, a trauma of the cruciate ligament.

Treatment of a meniscus tear

The type of therapy is determined by the degree of damage. There are conservative treatment (non-surgical) and surgical.

The second option is necessary in the absence of the opportunity to neutralize the blockade of the knee joint, with chronic form.

The outcome of treatment depends on many factors: the patient's age, the presence of meniscopathy, degenerative processes, the area of ​​injury. It is important to provide the correct first aid:

• immobilization of the knee joint - fixing the foot to a hard surface;
• to remove the edema, the knee is applied with a cold - this will help to narrow the vessels and will not allow the accumulation of liquids;
• if the meniscus is torn, the pain will be unbearable at the first time, it is better to give drugs that reduce these sensations (Diclofenac, Promedol, Indomethacin).

Without surgery

Blockade of the knee joint is eliminated by puncture and removal of accumulated blood or effusion (fluid). The doctor, to whom you applied with the presence of damage, performs manipulations with the foot and shin.

If the blockade is not eliminated, a rear longe is superimposed on the foot to ensure immobility. Conservative treatment of meniscus rupture consists of therapeutic physical training, massage, and the use of chondroprotectors (restoring the structure of cartilaginous tissues).

Supplemented by the UHF course, which removes inflammation, anesthetizes, accelerates the regeneration of cells.

Surgical

Surgical intervention is topical if there is repeated blockage of the knee joint, hemarthrosis, crushing of the cartilaginous tissue, if the meniscus of the anterior and posterior horn is damaged, without displacement or offset.

Trauma doctor after diagnosis and study of the degree of damage determines the scale of the operation. It is administered to people under 45 years old, who do not have degenerative processes in the cartilage.

The main approaches in surgical treatment:

• meniscectomy - removal (partial or complete) - painful operation, leads to arthritis;
• restoration of the cartilaginous plate - a more gentle option for preserving the biomechanics of the knee joint, is performed by:
  • fastening inside the joint with the help of snap-type locks (no incisions are needed);
  • transplantation with complete crushing of the cartilaginous layer;
  • arthroscopy - a camera (arthroscope) is inserted through the incision, the rupture is sewn with non-absorbable threads.

A source: http://sovets.net/12860-razryv-meniska.html

Rupture of the knee joint meniscus

Meniscus is the formation of a cartilaginous tissue, reminiscent of a crescent moon, acting as a regulator and a shock absorber to reduce the frictional force inside the joint.

A healthy person in each knee joint has two such formations: the outer lateral and the inner medial.

Each of them consists of a body and two spurs (front and rear).

Due to its mobility and density, the lateral meniscus is damaged 3-4 times less often. More oftenthere are injuries of the internal meniscus. This is due to its limited mobility due to adhesion to the lateral internal ligament of the joint.

The intra-articular meniscus is fed differently. In their external departments there is an active blood supply, and the recovery processes take place without complications.

The rupture of the inner part is much more dangerous, since there are no capillaries in it, and regeneration proceeds at a minimum speed, and rehabilitation can last several months.

Causes

Athletes, dancers, people of heavy physical labor are particularly prone to this type of injury. By their activities, they have to deal withincreased loads on the knees.

In general, people of working age and pensioners turn to medical help. Children and adolescents under the age of 14 rarely suffer from this problem due to the elasticity of the cartilaginous tissue.

The main cause of rupture of the meniscus is acute trauma, which is caused by predisposing factors:

• weakness of ligaments and joints;
• insignificant trauma on the background of degenerative changes in cartilage tissue;
• excess weight;
• long-term presence in the "squatting" position, walking "in single file
• sharp torsion in the knee joint without detachment of the foot from the surface;
• jumping and running on an uneven surface in people with joint problems;
• intoxication of a chronic nature (triggers the development of pathological processes in the cartilaginous tissue).

The probability of a meniscus rupture is high when falling on your knees or after an impact in front, so active games and types sports that require sharp movements and quick reactions are one of the most common reasons injuries.

Patients in old age rarely seek help with an acute loss of the integrity of the meniscus, their problems are often chronic and associated with pathological changes in the cartilaginous tissue. In it blood circulation is disturbed, which causes its exhaustion, dystrophy, fragility and provokes the formation of cysts.

Classification

Systematization is carried out on several grounds. Depending on the nature of the origin of the pathology, traumatic (acute) and degenerative discontinuities are distinguished.

Patients of orthopedists are often men from 20 to 40 years old who, due to trauma, got an acute condition in the knee fold.

In the elderly, chronic age and dystrophic processes predominate in the form of rheumatism and arthrosis, which acted as provocateurs when the meniscus was damaged.

The localization of the gap can be different. In case of simultaneous trauma, several parts indicate the combined nature of the lesion.

Depending on the severity of the meniscus injury and on the extent of its rupture, a treatment method will be chosen.

Specialists distinguish the following cartilage damage:

• Meniscus fracturenear the place of its attachment, a horizontal rupture in the hindquarter of the medial disc, or its complete separation. Such a trauma is considered to be the heaviest cartilage damage and occurs in 10-15% of patients with problems in this area.
• Partial breakis observed in half the cases. As a rule, the horn of the horn occurs, rarely in the body of the meniscus or the anterior horn.
• PincushionThe intra-articular meniscus sometimes causes blockage of joint motion. Such injuries occur in 40% of cases and, if the joint can not be adjusted, they can end with surgery.

Anatomically, the gap may look like this:

• oblique patchwork;
• radial transverse;
• "Handle of the watering can or vertical longitudinal;
• horizontal;
• Fibrillation, fibrousness, multiplane rupture (with degenerative processes);
• combined.

Destructive processes in the joint are the reaction of cartilaginous tissue to inflammatory processes. Sometimes there is enough light load for the tissue to break. In advanced age, degenerative and combined gaps predominate.

Patients under 50 years of age are prone to damage to the longitudinal and oblique type.

Symptoms

Symptoms range from the severity of the injury. Light damage to the cartilaginous tissue makes itself felt by crunching and clicking in the knee, frequent aching pains, and a sense of discomfort.

The loss of the integrity of the meniscus tissue is usually combined with other injuries in the knee joint, so its diagnosis is difficult.When establishing a diagnosis, attention is drawn to the following symptoms:

• Pain syndrome. Strong unbearable pain is felt immediately at the time of injury and within 1-2 minutes after this. Before you feel the pain, you can hear a click. After some time, the pain syndrome weakens, the victim can move independently, but more often it is possible to it with difficulty. After sleep, there is a foreign body sensation in the knee. When you try to move sharply, the pain becomes worse, but at rest it calms down, sometimes it reminds you of yourself only when you descend the stairs.
• Blockade of the joint. The knee stop is a characteristic sign of a hind torn in the inner meniscus. The joint is unable to move because the meniscus or part of it is trapped between the bones and blocks their normal motor function. Sometimes in the articular slit of the knee manages to find the meniscus itself. The phenomenon of blockade is also characteristic for dislocation and rupture of ligaments.
• Blood accumulation inside the joint. Hemarthrosis is observed in the case when there is a tearing of the body of the meniscus, penetrated by a network of small vessels. The knee swells and swells.
• Puffiness of the joint. This sign appears immediately after the break, but more often after 2-3 days.

Degenerative lesions have some differences: their symptoms are erased, tenderness manifests itself periodically, there are clicks and rolling in the joint, with exacerbation of the tissue swelling, mobility is disturbed, but the complete blockage of the joint is not comes.

Diagnostics

External signs of a meniscus injury are nonspecific and similar to other diseases. Similar symptoms can be observed with arthrosis, severe bruises and sprains.

The establishment of an accurate diagnosis only through the collection of anamnesis and external examination is not always reliable. A more accurate method is to carry out pain tests - when trying to rotate the limb, severe knee pain occurs in the knee joint.

Nevertheless, these methods are rather exemplary, the more informative methods of diagnosis include the following:

• X-ray examination;
• MRI;
• CT scan;
• arthroscopy.

If fluid accumulates inside the knee joint, the joint cavity is punctured to facilitate diagnosis and pain relief.

Modern methods have significant advantages. MRI allows you to examine in detail the soft tissue structures of the joint, and with the help of arthroscopy you can not only visually assess the joint condition, but also immediately carry out a recovery operation.

Treatment

Orthopedics deal with the diagnosis and therapy of joint diseases. When choosing a method of treatment, localization, the complexity of damage and the conditions for obtaining trauma are taken into account. Pinched and primary tear is treated therapeutically.

Conservative treatment includes:

• Reposition (repositioning of the joint with its blockage).
• Removal of puffiness with a puncture. The procedure can be single and multiple, depending on the amount of fluid, the intensity of the discharge of blood and exudate into the joint cavity.
• For relief of acute pain, non-hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics and ice are prescribed.
• Appointment of chondroprotectors and hyaluronic acid preparations for the restoration of joint structures. The course of treatment is annual and lasts for 3-6 months.
• Fixation of the limb with a tire for at least 2 weeks.
• Physiotherapeutic methods of treatment and rehabilitation (massage, exercise therapy).

If treatment is started immediately and carried out correctly, then there are all chances to avoid surgery. Surgical intervention is required if therapeutic treatment does not lead to positive results.

The principle guided by surgeons is to maintain the functioning of the knee joint and resume its functions.

Stitching of the meniscus is possible only in the zone of its active blood supply. Complete removal of cartilage (meniscectomy) is considered a harmful and inefficient operation all over the world.

The methods of partial (partial) meniscectomy are more often used.

In the course of such manipulation, the free part of the cartilage is completely removed and the rest is restored.

This low-traumatic method makes it possible to perform all manipulations through 2-3 small holes using a video camera and a medical instrument.

The main conditions for the effectiveness of stitching the meniscus is the presence of a fresh rupture in the cartilage body. These factors influence the likelihood of tissue fusion and the successful outcome of manipulation.

In the event that the meniscus rupture occurred due to degenerative changes caused by tuberculosis, arthrosis, gout or other diseases, treatment is prescribed to get rid of the root cause.

Complications

The processes of regeneration in the cartilaginous tissue are slowed down, since it consists of fibrous structures and does not have blood supply, all nutrients and oxygen are transported to it from nearby tissues. In this regard, the restoration of the meniscus can take more than one year.Some patients face the following complications:

• restriction of mobility or its loss;
• damage to the cartilage and the onset of arthrosis;
• fracture, rupture, displacement.

The most severe consequences for a meniscus rupture are contracture and ankylosis, in which the leg loses mobility. To prevent the development of complications, it is necessary to start treatment in time and adhere strictly to medical recommendations.

Prevention

Simple preventive measures help prevent an overwhelming majority of injuries.

In order to prevent ruptures in the cartilaginous tissue of the knee jointavoid sudden movements. During sports, it is better to protect joints with the help of special bandages or knee pads.

Shoes should be stable, comfortable. To strengthen cartilage tissue are recommendedmoderate exercise: running, cycling, walking.

A healthy lifestyle, monitoring of the general state of health and timely treatment of any diseases are of great importance for preventing injuries.

Forecast

• localization of the gap;
• age of the patient;
• the condition of the ligamentous apparatus;
• prescription of the gap.
• regular pain in the knee joint;

The likelihood of resumption of normal joint work is reduced in patients with a ligamentous apparatus, and people under the age of 40 have a better chance of recovery than the elderly.

A source: http://pillsman.org/21907-razryv-meniska-kolennogo-sustava.html