Meniscus Injury

What is a meniscus injury?

The menisci are crescent-shaped fibrocartilaginous structures, with a rubber-like consistency, located between the femur and the tibia.

Each knee has two menisci: the medial meniscus (on the inner side of the knee) and the lateral meniscus (on the outer side). Their main function is to distribute the load that passes through the joint, helping to reduce pressure on the cartilage that covers the bones in the knee. In other words, they act like shock absorbers, protecting this cartilage.

A meniscus injury compromises this protection and exposes the cartilage to wear, facilitating the development of osteoarthritis in the joint

Symptoms

Symptoms of a meniscus injury may include:

• knee pain, especially when bending or straightening the joint
• sensation of the knee “catching” or “locking” during movement
• clicking or popping sounds: an audible, visible, or palpable sensation that something is moving and “popping” inside the joint
• swelling in the knee (also called joint effusion)
• stiffness: a feeling that the knee is “tight” or less flexible
• joint locking: a situation where the knee becomes “stuck,” unable to fully extend or bend beyond a few degrees
• knee weakness: a sensation of temporary loss of strength, which may occur during intense activities or even while walking
• no symptoms: it is not uncommon for a meniscus injury to be found during an imaging exam (such as an MRI) without causing any symptoms—this is known as an asymptomatic injury

Causes

Meniscus injuries can be caused by a variety of events or conditions that result in excessive forces or abnormal movements in the knee:

• acute trauma: a meniscus injury may occur due to a direct impact on the knee or a sudden twisting motion while the knee is flexed
• sports activities: sports that involve quick changes in direction, knee rotation, or physical contact—such as soccer, basketball, tennis, and skiing—increase the risk of meniscus injuries
• repetitive overload: certain occupations or activities that involve repetitive knee flexion and extension movements, such as frequent squatting or improper weightlifting, can increase the risk of meniscus injuries due to repeated stress on the tissue

Diagnosis

Diagnosing a meniscus injury may include:

• patient history: questions about symptoms such as knee pain, swelling, stiffness, locking sensation, or clicking during movement
• physical examination: specific tests to assess knee stability, range of motion, tenderness to touch, and the presence of swelling
• imaging tests: although X-rays do not directly show the meniscus, they can help rule out other bone injuries or conditions that may be causing the symptoms

Treatment

Treatment for a meniscus injury may vary depending on the severity of the injury and the patient's symptoms. Treatment options include:

• rest and ice: resting the knee and applying ice to the affected area can help reduce pain and swelling
• physical therapy: strengthening and stretching exercises can help stabilize the knee, improve muscle function, and promote recovery
• meniscus repair: currently, repairing meniscus injuries is preferred whenever possible, rather than removing the damaged tissue. This helps protect the knee joint and prevent cartilage wear that could lead to osteoarthritis

Prevention

Preventing meniscus injuries involves adopting several measures to reduce the risk of damage to this essential cartilaginous structure in the knee. Here are some important prevention strategies:

• Muscle strengthening: especially the quadriceps and hamstrings, can help stabilize the knee joint and reduce the load on the meniscus during physical activities
• Improving balance and proprioception: exercises aimed at enhancing balance and proprioception (the body's ability to sense its position in space) can help reduce the risk of falls and knee twists that may lead to meniscus injuries
• Proper technique: when practicing sports or physical activities that involve twisting movements or changes in direction, it is important to use proper techniques to reduce the risk of meniscus injuries. This includes learning the correct landing and twisting techniques during activities such as running, jumping, and contact sports
• Use of protective equipment: wear appropriate protective gear during sports or recreational activities that may increase the risk of knee injuries, such as helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads
   

References

Brazilian Society of Orthopedics and Traumatology (SBOT)
Instituto Trata – Knee and Hip Institute
 

Health on the Podium: a project that addresses concepts, curiosities, and clarifies doubts about sports practice, performance, mental health, and well-being during one of the world’s largest sporting events.

Por Conselho Editorial Einstein