Which is worse lateral or medial meniscus tear?

It is hard to differentiate what type of tear is worse if it is repairable. However, it is well known that if a lateral meniscus is taken out, the consequences are almost always worse than having a medial meniscus resected.

Which heals better lateral or medial meniscus?

The lateral meniscus is known to absorb approximately 70% of the shock of the lateral compartment whereas the medial meniscus is known to absorb 50% of the medial compartment. Because of this, if you suffer a lateral meniscus tear it becomes very important to try and heal/repair the tear quickly.

Which is more important lateral or medial meniscus?

Conclusions Medial and lateral meniscus have a different role in stabilising the ACL-deficient knee: while the medial meniscus functions as a critical secondary stabilisers of anterior tibial translation under an anterior/posterior load, lateral meniscus appears to be a more important restraint of rotational and ...

How serious is a lateral meniscus tear?

If a tear of the lateral meniscus occurs, it can be minor or severe. In a severe lateral meniscus tear, the meniscus can be torn in half, ripped around its circumference, or ripped to the extent that it hangs on by a fiber.

Which meniscus is most likely to hurt?

The medial meniscus is more vulnerable to injury to due to its intimate attachment to the medial collateral ligament. The moveable lateral meniscus is less prone to tear except when the ACL is injured.

meniscus tear , knee injury ,lateral meniscus - Everything You Need To Know - Dr. Nabil Ebraheim

Why are medial meniscus tear is more common than lateral meniscus tear?

The medial meniscus is more commonly injured than the lateral meniscus because it's less mobile, and is directly attached to the medial collateral ligament and joint capsule. The blood supply to both menisci is poor, which makes it more difficult for them to heal once they are injured.

What is the most common meniscus tear?

The most common type of tear to the meniscus is a radial tear. This type of tear occurs in the area of the knee that isn't supplied with blood, so it cannot heal on its own. Surgery may be required if the tear is severe. In the case of a radial tear, the surgeon will trim away the damaged part of the meniscus.

Do I need surgery for a lateral meniscus tear?

How is a meniscus tear treated? If your MRI indicates a Grade 1 or 2 tear, but your symptoms and physical exam are inconsistent with a tear, surgery may not be needed. Grade 3 meniscus tears usually require surgery, which may include: Arthroscopic repair — An arthroscope is inserted into the knee to see the tear.

How long does it take to recover from a lateral meniscus tear?

Meniscus tears are the most frequently treated knee injuries. Recovery will take about 6 to 8 weeks if your meniscus tear is treated conservatively, without surgery.

What is the recovery time for lateral meniscus tear surgery?

Full recovery from meniscus surgery can take anywhere from six weeks to three months. Your care after surgery may involve: Crutches to take stress off the knee as it heals.

Why lateral meniscus is more important?

The lateral meniscus is even more important than the medial meniscus for shock absorption. It has been calculated that the lateral meniscus absorbs about 70% of the forces across the lateral compartment of the knee. Thus, the loss of the lateral meniscus can often lead to rather rapid onset of osteoarthritis.

Can you walk with a lateral meniscus tear?

Unless the torn meniscus has locked the knee, many people with a torn meniscus can walk, stand, sit, and sleep without pain.

Will a lateral meniscus tear heal?

In the case of meniscus tears, some people think the injury will heal over time on its own. But the truth is that there are different types of meniscus tears — and some tears won't heal without treatment. If your tear is on the outer one-third of the meniscus, it may heal on its own or be repaired surgically.

Do all medial meniscus tears need surgery?

Not All Meniscal Tears Require Surgery

Most small meniscal tears (less than 5mm) have the potential to heal on their own, without surgery.

Where does lateral meniscus tear hurt?

In general, a lateral meniscus tear should cause pain along the joint line of the outside part of the knee. In addition, one could have pain in the back of their knee with deep squats or they could have pain on the outside of their knee when they put their leg in a figure-of-4 position.

Why does a meniscus tear hurt so much?

Meniscus tears hurt because they upset the lining or the synovium of the knee. The synovium has a lot of nerves in it and this synovium will cause significant pain, and swelling when it is irritated.

Can a meniscus tear lead to knee replacement?

Conclusions: In patients with knee osteoarthritis arthroscopic knee surgery with meniscectomy is associated with a three fold increase in the risk for future knee replacement surgery.

Can you make a torn meniscus worse?

If you have a mild ache during the run, or a mildly sore knee after a run then you can often continue running. There is very little risk that running will worsen the tear. Meniscus tears can always worsen… remember, this is a process of degeneration.

What does a lateral meniscus tear feel like?

Swelling or stiffness. Pain, especially when twisting or rotating your knee. Difficulty straightening your knee fully. Feeling as though your knee is locked in place when you try to move it.

Will my knee ever be the same after meniscus surgery?

Knee Swelling after Meniscus Surgery

Swelling is an indicator of inflammation, which is part of the normal healing process after surgeries such as a meniscus repair. It can sometimes persist for a few weeks following meniscal surgery.

Will a cortisone shot help a torn meniscus?

A cortisone injection can effectively reduce pain and inflammation in your knee, as in the case of a torn meniscus. It's only a temporary solution to your pain, though. It can't heal your meniscus and may even delay your healing. It also can't prevent you from injuring it again in the future.

Is it better to repair or remove meniscus?

In most patients, meniscus tear repair is preferred over meniscus removal. That's because studies have shown when the meniscus is repaired and preserved, patients tend to experience better overall healing and better long-term joint function.

Is a medial meniscus tear common?

A medial meniscus tear is more common than a lateral meniscus tear, because it is firmly attached to the deep medial collateral ligament and the joint capsule. In addition, the medial meniscus absorbs up to 50% of the shock of the medial compartment, making the medial meniscus susceptible to injury.

Is a lateral meniscus tear in the red zone?

Meniscus tears can occur medially or laterally (inside or outside menisci) in the red zone, white zone, or in both. There are many types of meniscal tears, but four types of tears that are more frequently encountered include: A longitudinal tear (or linear tear) can occurs in the red or white zone.

Which meniscus is more mobile?

The lateral meniscus, on the outside of the knee, is more circular in shape. The lateral meniscus is more mobile than the medial meniscus as there is no attachment to the lateral collateral ligament or joint capsule. The outer edges of each meniscus attach to the tibia by the short coronary ligaments.