Knee meniscus injury

Speaking of meniscus injury of the knee, I believe many middle-aged and elderly friends know about this disease, because it is more common among the elderly, and the most typical symptom is knee pain. In fact, the so-called meniscus injury of the knee is caused by some trauma. The most important thing is that the meniscus has no ability to repair itself after injury, which is also the reason why the disease is so harmful.

In fact, in addition to tears caused by meniscus degeneration in the elderly, many athletes are also prone to knee meniscus injuries. However, no matter what causes the knee meniscus injury, in the face of the harm of this disease, you must first understand how to treat it.

1. Acute phase: If there is obvious effusion (or blood accumulation) in the joint, the effusion should be drained under strict aseptic operation; if the joint is "locked", the "locking" should be released by manipulation, and then the knee joint should be fixed in the extended position for 4 weeks with a tubular plaster from the upper 1/3 of the thigh to the ankle. The cast should be properly shaped and the patient should be able to walk with it on. During the fixation period and after the fixation is removed, the quadriceps muscles should be actively exercised to prevent muscle atrophy.

2. Chronic stage: If non-surgical treatment is ineffective, symptoms and signs are obvious, and the diagnosis is clear, the damaged meniscus should be surgically removed as soon as possible to prevent traumatic arthritis. After the operation, pressure bandage is applied in the extended knee position, and quadriceps static contraction exercises are started the next day. Straight leg raising exercises are started 2 to 3 days later to prevent quadriceps atrophy. Walking is started after two weeks. Normal function can usually be restored 2 to 3 months after the operation.

3. Application of arthroscopy: Arthroscopy can be used to treat meniscus injuries. The edge tears of the meniscus can be repaired by sutures. Usually, part of the meniscus is removed, leaving the undamaged part. For those who are suspected of meniscus injury at an early stage, emergency arthroscopy can be performed to treat meniscus injury early, shorten the course of treatment, improve treatment effects, and reduce the occurrence of traumatic arthritis. Arthroscopic surgery is less invasive and has a quicker recovery.

After understanding the treatment methods of knee meniscus injury, if you always have severe knee pain, you may want to go to the hospital to take an X-ray. However, the best diagnostic method is still knee arthroscopy, which is the most effective and direct method for diagnosing knee meniscus injury. After diagnosis, treatment will be given according to the severity of the condition.