Meniscus Injuries
Are you experiencing knee pain, swelling, or a popping sensation during movements? These symptoms might indicate a meniscus injury—a common knee condition that can significantly impair your mobility and comfort.
At SW Yung Orthopaedic Clinic, Dr Yung provides expert diagnosis and advanced treatment options, including minimally invasive surgery, to effectively address meniscus injuries and restore optimal knee function.
What Are Meniscus Injuries?
The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that cushions and stabilises the knee joint between the thigh bone (femur) and shinbone (tibia). Injuries to the meniscus commonly involve tears that can result from sudden movements, sports injuries, or degenerative changes associated with aging.
Early evaluation and treatment by an orthopaedic specialist like Dr Yung are key to preventing further damage and ensuring a full recovery.
What Causes Meniscus Injuries?
Meniscus injuries are frequently caused by:
- Sudden twisting or pivoting movements during sports
- Heavy lifting or deep squatting
- Age-related degeneration of knee cartilage
- Previous knee injuries
These injuries can lead to persistent pain, swelling, limited mobility, and sensations of instability in the knee joint.
Signs & Symptoms of Meniscus Injuries
Common symptoms indicating a meniscus injury include:
- Knee pain, particularly when twisting or rotating
- Swelling and stiffness in the knee
- Difficulty fully straightening or bending the knee
- Locking or catching sensations
- A feeling of the knee "giving way"
If you have these symptoms, arrange a consultation with Dr Yung Shing Wai at 6235 5225 today.
How Are Meniscus Injuries Diagnosed?
Meniscus injuries are diagnosed through a comprehensive clinical evaluation:
- Physical Examination: Dr Yung will inspect your knee for swelling and tenderness, assess its range of motion, and perform specific tests to identify potential meniscal damage.
- Imaging Tests: MRI scans or ultrasound imaging may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the severity of the tear.
What Happens if Meniscus Injuries are Left Untreated?
- Increased pain and swelling: Ongoing pain and discomfort may worsen, especially with activity.
- Further damage to the knee joint: Untreated tears can enlarge, leading to more severe structural damage.
- Reduced mobility and function: Persistent symptoms can impair daily activities and limit your participation in sports and exercise.
- Increased risk of arthritis: A chronic meniscus injury can accelerate joint degeneration, increasing the likelihood of arthritis developing.
- Knee instability: Untreated meniscus tears can make the knee feel unstable or prone to giving way.
How Are Meniscus Injuries Treated?
Dr Yung provides customised treatment plans based on your injury type, severity, and individual needs, ranging from conservative management to surgical interventions.
Non-Surgical Options
Initial treatments aim to relieve symptoms and promote healing:
- Rest and activity modification
- Physiotherapy exercises to strengthen surrounding muscles
- Pain-relief medications and anti-inflammatory treatments
- Bracing to stabilise and support the knee
Meniscus Surgery
When non-surgical treatments are insufficient or the injury is severe, surgical procedures may be recommended:
- Arthroscopic Meniscus Repair: Minimally invasive surgery to repair torn meniscus tissue, promoting natural healing.
- Partial Meniscectomy: Removal of damaged tissue while preserving healthy meniscus to restore knee function.
Dr Yung Shing Wai is an experienced orthopaedic surgeon specialising in advanced arthroscopic techniques for meniscus injuries, ensuring faster recovery and effective long-term results.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Post-surgery, patients typically begin rehabilitation quickly, with physiotherapy tailored to restore knee strength, stability, and mobility. Recovery times vary, typically ranging from several weeks to a few months, depending on the specific procedure performed and individual healing rates.
