DESCRIPTION
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
- The menisci function to distribute stress across the knee during weight bearing, provide shock absorption, serve as secondary joint stabilizers, facilitate joint gliding, prevent hyperextension, and protect joint margins.
- Acute traumatic tears most commonly occur while participating in sports in which the knee undergoes a torsional direction while being slightly flexed.
- Nontraumatic tears are commonly associated with jobs that include prolonged kneeling and squatting, obesity, and chronic joint laxity. These tears most commonly occur in individuals older than 60 years of age and had prolong degeneration
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
- Patients with no prior history of knee pain may report a pop during activity and progressive swelling, and stiffness over 2 to 3 days after the initial injury. Older patients with a degenerative tear often do not recall any trauma, but may report recurrent knee swelling after physical activity.
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
Radiographs
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PT IMPLICATIONS
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- The treatment plan for an acute tear include knee mobilization and protection, weight bearing restrictions, gentle quadriceps strengthening to prevent palpation, and modalities to decrease pain and swelling.
- Chronic tears include modalities and rest to decrease pain and swelling, and progressive strengthening and balance activities.
- Those who participate in competitive sports or want to remain intensively active can opt for consultation from a orthopedic surgeon
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