Transcript

Voice- The Bodyshop with Jennifer Black and Dr. Steve is brought to you by Allegheny Chesapeake Physical Therapy.

Jennifer Black - Today we will talk about Meniscal tears in the knee. OK Dr. Steve what is a Meniscal tear.

Dr. Steve - A Meniscal tear is what most folks refer to as a torn cartilage. It is a problem that can occur at any age.

There are two menisci in the knee joint (medial- inside and lateral- outside). The menisci are like washers that help to stabilize and protect the knee joint.

The menisci are a form of cartilage (fibro-cartilage). We also have cartilage at the end of all our bones (hyaline cartilage). Therefore when people generically say cartilage tear, it may not always refer to the menisci.

The meniscus can tear many ways but the location determines the outcome. If it tears on the outside it can heal, or be surgically repaired, if it is torn on the inside it needs to be removed.

Not all Meniscal injuries need surgery. It depends on a person's ability to perform functional activity. If their knee locks or continuously swells they may have to undergo an arthroscopic procedure to remove the torn part of the meniscus.

Jennifer Black - How long does it take to recover from a surgical procedure?

Dr. Steve - After a simple menisectomy (removal of a part of the meniscus). Most individual recover and are walking normally within two weeks. If the meniscus is repaired the healing and rehabilitation can take two to four months

Jennifer Black - Thank you Dr. Steve. If you want more information Contact Dr. Steve at 1-800-332-5740 or www.AlleghanyChesapeake.com