What is lateral meniscus?
The menisci — the medial meniscus and lateral meniscus – are crescent-shaped bands of thick, rubbery cartilage attached to the shinbone (tibia). They act as shock absorbers and stabilize the knee. The medial meniscus is on the inner side of the knee joint. The lateral meniscus is on the outside of the knee.
What is the function of the lateral meniscus?
The lateral meniscus absorbs shocks, protecting the joint. It also keeps the joint lubricated and regulates the joint’s movement to prevent hyperextension (overextension). The rubbery nature of the meniscus makes it susceptible to tears when it is twisted during an irregular movement.
What is the meniscus and what is its function?
They are very tough, smooth and rubbery and their cushioning of the joint keeps it stable. The meniscus is often thought of as being shock absorbers between the thighbone and the shinbone. They work to help in the reduction of wear and tear on the knee’s cartilage and bones and assist in guiding movement.
Is lateral meniscus tear serious?
Left untreated, a meniscus tear can limit your daily life and ability to participate in exercise and sports. In serious cases, it can develop into long-term knee problems, like arthritis.
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. Other people find that the torn meniscus prevents them from participating comfortably in their usual daily activities.
What is the treatment for a lateral meniscus tear?
Treating a Lateral Meniscus Tear A small or degenerative tear will most likely be treated with conservative treatments such as ice, anti-inflammatory medications, compression, and potentially a knee brace. Once swelling and pain subside, the participation in a physical therapy program may be recommended.
How does a lateral meniscus tear happen?
A torn meniscus can result from any activity that causes you to forcefully twist or rotate your knee, such as aggressive pivoting or sudden stops and turns. Even kneeling, deep squatting or lifting something heavy can sometimes lead to a torn meniscus.
Which is worse lateral or medial meniscus tear?
Is the lateral meniscus tear worse than a 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.
Where is lateral meniscus pain?
lateral meniscus tear symptoms Symptoms of a lateral meniscus tear may include tenderness and pain around the outside surface of the knee, particularly along the joint line. With a lateral meniscus tear, there is typically swelling which appears within 24 to 48 hours of the injury occurring.
How long does it take for a lateral meniscus tear to heal?
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.
How long does a lateral meniscus tear take to heal?
Should I wear a knee brace with a torn meniscus?
Wearing a brace can help limit the stress placed on your meniscus while it heals and protect you from re-injury. As a result, you can be more physically active throughout your recovery and get back to doing what you love sooner.
What kind of band is the lateral meniscus?
Anatomical terminology. The lateral meniscus (external semilunar fibrocartilage) is a fibrocartilaginous band that spans the lateral side of the interior of the knee joint. It is one of two menisci of the knee, the other being the medial meniscus.
This C-shaped, rubbery, cartilage plays a key role in maintaining stability of the knee. The lateral meniscus absorbs shocks, protecting the joint.
What to do with a torn lateral meniscus?
More severe tears of the lateral meniscus require surgical repair or removal, which can often be done arthroscopically. Swelling and stiffness of the knee can occur when you have a torn lateral meniscus.
Where are the menisci located in the knee?
Each knee joint has two crescent-shaped cartilage menisci. These lie on the inside (medial) and outside (lateral) edges of the top of the tibia or shin bone, also known as the tibial plateau.