Meniscus of the knee joint

One of the common injuries of the knee joint is damage to the meniscus, which in the future can lead to arthrosis and even immobility. It is on the joint of the knee, which has a rather complex structure, is the main load in the human body.

In the joint cavity there are two cartilages: the inner and outer meniscus of the knee joint (from the Greek "meniskos" - the crescent). They are attached to the bones in the form of springs of curved shape. Often, the internal knee of the knee joint, which is larger, is damaged. If the diagnosis and treatment are not carried out in time, even when walking the meniscus surfaces will be damaged, which will lead to disruption of movement in the joints themselves. Therefore, you need to contact your doctor in a timely manner.

Symptoms

To damage the meniscus of the knee joint is possible when jumping from a height, falling or tucking the shin. After that, there is a strong pain in the joint, a swelling. Movements become very painful. During the complete separation of the meniscus, movements become impossible, since the joint is blocked. If the meniscus lesions are partial and chronic, then there is a crunch and pain during movements.

Diagnostics

If the diagnosis of damage to the meniscus is made in time, difficulties will not arise. Radiography of the joint is also performed, since the discs are not visible in the usual X-ray. Modern medical technologies use endoscopic arthroscopy, thanks to which the diagnosis is carried out extremely accurately. This is done with the help of an incision of the skin and insertion into the joint of a special arthroscope. So you can inspect all parts of the joint.

If we talk about the diagnosis of old damages of the meniscus, it is carried out by the same methods. First of all, it is necessary to determine the development of posttraumatic arthrosis, namely deformation of the joint, compaction of its surfaces, and also narrowing of the joint space.

Meniscus of the knee joint: treatment

The main method is operational, during which the meniscus is removed. This can be done by two methods - closed and open. In the first case, the meniscus of the knee joint is removed using an arthroscope, which is equipped with a special manipulator. This operation is done in just a few minutes, during which the cartilage is removed and no large trauma to the joint is applied. In addition, if the meniscus lesions are partial and fresh, you can even perform an operation to stitch it.

If we talk about the open method, then it is performed only if it is impossible to carry out the previous one. In this case, after the operation, it is necessary to impose a special immobilizing tire for several weeks. This method is considered more complicated, after which the patient must necessarily undergo rehabilitation in the clinic. Such treatment is carried out in a complex manner. This must include limb massage, medical gymnastics. Also physical exercises are necessary on special simulators, which control the load. Applied and such procedures as phonophoresis, microwave, ultrasound. In some cases, even mud and ozokeritotherapy are prescribed.

It should be noted that the treatment of a meniscus without surgery is possible only with partial damage to it. In other cases, surgery is simply necessary. In case the damage is already stale, drugs are prescribed, for example, glucosamine or chondroitin sulfate, which are capable of restoring cartilage tissue. Effective intra-articular laser irradiation is quite effective, which is actively used in foreign clinics.

Remember that timely treatment of meniscus lesions can fully restore the function of the joint, so you can quickly return to normal life!