Meniscus tears

Meniscus tears

Omar Saleem, MD, MsPT

Dr. Omar Saleem is an expert in diagnosing and treating meniscus tears, one of the most common knee injuries, especially in athletes and active individuals. The meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage in the knee that acts as a cushion between the thighbone (femur) and the shinbone (tibia). A tear can result from sudden twisting or direct impact and can lead to pain, swelling, and restricted movement.

Diagnosis

Dr. Saleem’s diagnostic approach for meniscus tears includes:

  • Patient History: Assessing the injury mechanism, typically involving a twist or turn during physical activity, and evaluating symptoms like knee pain, swelling, and locking or catching.
  • Physical Examination: Conducting specific tests such as the McMurray test to check for pain and clicking in the knee.
  • Imaging: MRI is the gold standard to confirm the tear, evaluate its location and severity, and assess any associated knee damage.

Treatment Options

Dr. Saleem offers both conservative and surgical treatment options depending on the tear’s severity, location, and the patient’s activity level:

  • Non-Surgical Treatment:
    • Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE): To manage pain and swelling.
    • Physical Therapy: A rehabilitation program focusing on strengthening the surrounding muscles, improving flexibility, and restoring knee stability.
    • Bracing: Supporting the knee to protect against further injury during recovery.
    • Anti-Inflammatory Medications: To reduce pain and swelling.
  • Surgical Treatment: For more severe tears or when conservative measures fail, surgery may be required, including:
    • Meniscectomy: Removing the torn portion of the meniscus to relieve symptoms and improve knee function.
    • Meniscus Repair: In cases where the tear occurs in the outer area of the meniscus (which has better blood supply), Dr. Saleem may perform a repair to preserve the meniscus and restore knee function.
    • Arthroscopic Surgery: Using minimally invasive techniques to repair or remove the damaged meniscus, promoting quicker recovery.

Rehabilitation and Prevention

Post-treatment rehabilitation and prevention strategies are crucial for recovery and avoiding future injury:

  • Post-Surgical Rehabilitation: Dr. Saleem emphasizes progressive exercises to restore full knee strength, stability, and flexibility after surgery.
  • Preventive Measures: Educating patients on proper knee care, including stretching and strengthening exercises to prevent future meniscus injuries, especially for athletes.