The menisci of the knee (internal and external) are cartilages that make the joint as stable as possible. As a result of wear or trauma, lesions may appear. They must be treated quickly to limit pain and avoid complications.
At knee level, in the space located between the femur and the tibia, are crescent-shaped pads of cartilage called “the menisci”. They are two: the internal meniscus and the external meniscus. Their role is to stabilize the joint. Meniscal lesions can be of traumatic origin, occurring in this case more often in young people or in athletes, but they can also be related to wear and cause degeneration. The medial meniscus is the most affected of the two.
They vary from person to person as they depend on age, intensity, cause and type of meniscal tear.
Pain. The first of these is pain. It is violent, stabbing, and greatly disrupts daily life. “It appears on the side of the knee or at the level of the popliteal fossa located at the back of the joint, and can extend to the level of the thigh, says Dr. Marc Pérez, sports, physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor at the Hôtel Dieu hospital in Paris. It is aggravated when climbing stairs, the squatting position and on palpation of the knee.
Edema. Meniscal lesions can cause episodes of edema (swelling due to an effusion of synovial fluid in the joint).
Crunches. They are also at the origin of impressions of knee catching, cracking accompanied by a feeling of instability, making walking, climbing stairs and certain positions difficult.
Blocking.Finally, the knee can be blocked suddenly: it then becomes impossible for the patient to fully extend his leg. This symptom, also called “flexum”, is characteristic of a bucket-handle meniscal lesion. It is linked to the displacement of a fragment of meniscus which has detached, remaining attached only by its extremities. From then on, this small piece can move and block the knee, making it impossible to extend the leg.
The lesions can appear following an accident, a false movement or repeated traumatisms. Athletes are the most affected. “The practice of tennisof soccer and ski are the sports most at risk”, says Dr. Pérez. More insidiously, progressive wear associated with aging can be the cause of this health problem.
“All sporting activity must be suspended for one to two months”
“The doctor will confirm his diagnosis in the presence of suggestive symptoms and stress on the joint”, says our expert. However, when there is an associated knee pathology such as osteoarthritis or sprain, it is not always easy to distinguish the symptoms specific to the meniscal lesion. A knee X-ray and an MRI will help to refine the diagnosis. “The treatment is then based on taking anti-inflammatories and analgesics to soothe the pain and immobilization with a knee bracesays Dr. Pérez. All sporting activity must be suspended for one to two months. Rehabilitation sessions with a physiotherapist will also be prescribed. “If the pain persists beyond 6 months and in the event of a recurrence, an arthroscopic knee operation, (a camera that allows you to view the inside of the joint)will be considered”explains the specialist.
Meniscus lesions can be due to occupational diseases requiring efforts or carrying loads, generally practiced in a squatting position. It is possible to request recognition of your health problem as an occupational disease. Go to the website of the Health and security at work to consult table 79 of occupational diseases.
Thanks to Dr. Marc Pérez, sports, physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor at the Hôtel Dieu hospital in Paris.