Ligament Injury to the Knee (Torn Meniscus)

meniscus tear treatment in Hyderabad

Meniscus Tear (Treatment in Hyderabad) | Meniscus tear surgery cost in Hyderabad | Dr. Praharsha Mulpur

Among knee injuries, a torn meniscus is a very common type of injury. Many people may or may not be aware of it, but it is a fact. Meniscal tear is the most frequently occurring knee injury. The condition is often debilitating and painful.

There are two C-shaped pieces of cartilage in your knees. They are just like cushions between the shinbone and the thighbone. In other words, meniscus cushions stabilize the knee joint and also protect the bones from wear and tear. When the meniscus tears, it causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the knee. Many people experience walking difficulty due to blocked knee motion and trouble extending their knees.

Signs of a torn meniscus

If a tear in the meniscus is small, then the prominent symptoms such as pain and swelling may begin after 12 to 24 hours. However, symptoms may manifest early depending on the nature and extent of the damage. In general, a torn meniscus is associated with the following signs and symptoms:

  • Pain – which is severe especially when rotating or twisting the knee
  • In the beginning, pain may not be bad, but once inflammation sets in and swelling starts to appear the pain becomes severe.
  • Stiffness and swelling
  • A popping sensation in the knee
  • A feeling of my knee becoming difficult to keep up
  • Fully stretching the knee becomes difficult
  • Difficulty in straightening the knee
  • Feeling as if the knee is locked while walking
  • Difficulty straightening your knee fully

What does a torn meniscus feel like?

Some people feel as if their knee is blocked. The knee joint seems to be locked up when a piece of shredded cartilage breaks and catches in the knee joint. Rotating, moving, stretching, and completely extending the knee becomes very difficult.

Causes of a torn meniscus?

Sports – especially contact sports and also physical activities that involve sharp and sudden turns and movements may result in meniscus tears. The injuries happen in soccer, volleyball, beachball, and other sports wherein a person suddenly changes direction while running. Meniscus weakens with age – and therefore – older athletes are at risk of injury.

In general, meniscal tears may occur if a person involves in any activity that forcefully rotates, twists or put excess pressure on the knee. Therefore, a torn meniscus is the most common knee injury.

How to heal a torn meniscus naturally?

In some cases, taking rest, medication, and ice application may help relieve pain due to a torn meniscus. This approach may provide time for the injury to heal on its own. This conservative treatment approach is not always enough to get rid of pain and other symptoms. Therefore, surgery becomes indispensable in such cases.

Diagnosis

Physical examination

An Orthopedic doctor will examine your knee after taking into account your medical history and symptoms. The doctor checks for tenderness – especially in the area where the meniscus sits. This gives a clue to the doctor whether there is a tear.

Torn meniscus symptoms test

McMurray Test: It is the main test for checking meniscus tears. In this test, an Orthopedic doctor bends your knee and then straightens and rotates it. This activity creates pressure on the torn meniscus. Therefore, if a person has a meniscus tear, the movement may cause clunking or a clicking sensation and pain in the joint.

Imaging tests

To confirm the diagnosis of a torn meniscus, your Orthopedic doctor may order a few imaging tests.

X-rays – They do not show a meniscal tear, but X-rays are helpful in diagnosing the other causes of knee injury or knee pain – for instance: osteoarthritis.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans: These scans help in thoroughly assessing the condition of soft tissues in the knee joint including menisci as well.

Meniscus Tear Treatment in Hyderabad (Torn Meniscus Surgery)

If you tried physical therapy, exercises, medications (NSAIDs), and RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) and the meniscus injury doesn’t heal, then you may need surgery. Serious meniscus tears may not heal on their own. Unstable and large meniscal tears causing locking symptoms may require surgery. It is the best and most effective way to repair a torn meniscus. The knee will become stable after recovery, post-surgery.

Meniscus tear surgery cost in Hyderabad

The average cost of meniscus tear surgery in Hyderabad may range anywhere between Rs. 80,000 to Rs. 1,50,000. Moreover, meniscus tear surgery cost in Hyderabad may vary based on the health status of the patient, the type of procedure, experience, and expertise of the orthopedic surgeon, and the hospital in which the patient is seeking treatment.

If you have additional queries regarding meniscus tear treatment in Hyderabad at Sunshine Hospitals, then book an appointment for further details.