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Overview
A meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage that sits within your knee. There are 2 meniscuses in each knee that acts as shock absorbers to cushion forces between your thigh and shin bone.
Degenerative Vs Acute meniscal tears: Mechanism of injury
An acute meniscus injury is a result of a single traumatic injury whereas degenerative tear is from an accumulation of repeated daily movement wearing down the cartilage. Acute tears usually occur from agility type movements where there is a forceful pivoting motion
Risk Factors:
Degenerative
- Over 60 years old
- Males > Females
- Work involving prolong kneeling, squatting and climbing stairs
- BMI > 25
Acute
- Sports such as rugby, soccer and running
- Knee laxity from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury or surgery
Physiotherapy treatment
Strengthening and proprioception
- Cycling
- Leg press, Squats, hamstring curl, single leg squats, knee extensions
Increase in loading and impact over time
- Step ups
- Landing drills
- Jumping & Hopping
Snoeker et al. (2013). Risk Factors for Meniscal Tears: A Systematic Review Including Meta-analysis
Swart et al. (2016). Effectiveness of exercise therapy for meniscal lesions in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis
