Sports Medicine Therapy Center
Meniscal Injuries of the Knee
The menisci are two cartilaginous tissues between the articulating surfaces of the thighbone (femur) and the shinbone (tibia). They serve three specific functions in the knee joint: 1) shock absorption, 2) stability, and 3) lubrication and nutrition.
How is this injury treated?
Physical Therapy: Physical therapy treatment of meniscal injuries focuses on restoration of normal biomechanics in the knee. Specific treatment is highly dependent on the location and degree of the injury. Tearing in the body of the meniscus frequently requires surgical intervention. If surgery were necessary, physical therapy would likely be part of your post-operative regime.
Surgery: Surgical intervention for meniscal tears is not uncommon. The type of surgery will depend on the location and severity of the damage to the meniscus. The three most common surgeries are meniscal repair, partial meniscectomy, and total meniscectomy. A meniscal repair involves suturing or tacking the torn meniscus back into its normal position. Partial or total meniscectomy involve removing a portion or the entire torn meniscus. For more information please click here to visit our BestHealth medical encylclopedia.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q. What sports or activities are commonly associated with meniscal injuries?
A. Meniscal injuries can occur during any weight bearing sport. They are commonly seen in basketball, football, soccer, tennis, and skiing. The injury generally occurs when there is a rotational force on a flexed knee with the foot planted.
Q. Will the type of surgery I have impact my course of physical therapy and the timeline for resumption of sports activities?
A. The type of surgery chosen for your knee will have some influence on your treatment and progression through the rehabilitation process. Generally, severe injuries require more aggressive surgical treatment and are likely to progress more slowly.
Q. What will my physical therapy consist of?
A. Non-operative management of meniscal injuries involves reduction of pain and restoration of the normal biomechanics of the knee including strength and range of motion. Post-operative management focuses on reduction of pain and inflammation and progresses toward strengthening, range of motion, and proprioceptive activities. The final stage of your rehabilitation will focus on return to sport activities including balance training, proprioceptive work (joint awareness), agility activities (running and cutting), and jumping.
Q. How long will I be in therapy?
A. Patients are generally seen 1-3 times per week for 4-8 weeks. Most will continue with a comprehensive home exercise program after discharge from physical therapy.
Q. When can I return to my sports activities?
A. There are several factors that will dictate when you can return to sports. The most significant is whether or not your injury required surgical intervention. If so, your pre-operative conditioning, choice of surgical procedure, and the specific type of sport you are returning to are all important factors. Your physical therapist will test your knee in different areas including strength, range of motion, and during sport specific activities. The patient, therapist, and surgeon will consult to determine when it is safe to return to sport.
For more information or to make an appointment, please call Outpatient Rehabilitation Services of Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center at (336) 716-8097 or 1-800-828-2001.