Meniscus injury

Author: Chloe Mo, Founder & Registered Physiotherapist

The menisci are two pieces of fibrocartilage that absorb shock and stabilize the knee joint. Athletes, especially those in soccer, basketball, and baseball, as well as people who engage in heavy physical labor and those who are obese, are prone to tears during twisting or jumping due to the greater stress on their knee joints.

A meniscal tear is an injury to the meniscus in the knee joint (a type of fibrocartilage located between the femur and tibia). The main function of the meniscus is to absorb shock and stabilize the knee joint. Tears can be sudden (acute tears) or gradual (chronic tears), and specific causes include:

1. Acute Tears:

• Sports Injuries:
  Meniscal tears are common in athletes, especially those involved in sports requiring a lot of jumping, quick turns, and sudden stops, such as basketball, soccer, and tennis. These movements can cause sudden twisting or compression of the meniscus.
• Direct Impact:
  Direct impact to the knee, such as being tackled in contact sports or falling directly on the knee, can also lead to meniscal tears.

2. Chronic Tears:

• Aging:
  As we age, the meniscus gradually becomes more fragile and prone to tears. Older individuals may experience meniscal tears even during daily activities.
• Repetitive Activities:
  Long-term engagement in occupations or sports involving repetitive knee activities, such as squatting or lifting heavy objects, can also lead to meniscal wear and tears.

3. Anatomical and Biomechanical Factors:

• Leg Alignment Issues:
  O-legs or X-legs (knock-knees) can cause uneven pressure on the meniscus, increasing the risk of tears.
• Insufficient Muscle Function:
  If the muscle groups supporting the knee joint (such as the quadriceps) have insufficient function, it can lead to reduced joint stability, increasing the risk of meniscal injury.

4. Physiological and Genetic Factors:

• Obesity:
  Increased body weight puts additional stress on the knee joint, increasing the likelihood of meniscal injury.
• Genetic Factors:
  Some individuals may have weaker menisci due to genetic factors, which can make them more susceptible to tears.

5. Occupational Risk:

• For jobs requiring frequent squatting or kneeling, such as construction workers or gardeners, long-term stress on the knee joint can lead to meniscal injury.

Treatment for meniscal tears includes physical therapy, and for severe cases, more aggressive surgical treatment such as arthroscopic repair or removal of the damaged meniscus. Post-surgery, 3-5 months of physical therapy rehabilitation are still required to restore the knee's original activity level, muscle elasticity, and strength, to prevent re-injury of the meniscus during its vulnerable phase. Preventive measures include appropriate physical training, strengthening the muscles around the knee joint, avoiding overuse of the knee joint, and adopting appropriate techniques and protective measures during high-risk sports. 3-5

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