Complex Meniscus Tear

Meniscus tears are common knee injuries, but they don’t all look the same. The team at Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas in Rockwall, Wylie, Forney, and Terrell, Texas, specializes in treating complex meniscus tears, which are tears in the knee cartilage with more than one tear pattern. The orthopaedic specialists customize complex meniscus tear treatment plans to relieve pain and promote healing. For expert care for your knee injury, call Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas today or book an appointment online.

What is a complex meniscus tear?

A complex meniscus tear means you have more than one type of tear in your meniscus, the C-shaped cartilage that acts as a cushion between the femur and tibia in your knee. 

Each knee has two menisci, the medial meniscus on the inside of the knee and the lateral meniscus on the outside. The menisci stabilize your knee and act as shock absorbers when walking, running, and jumping.

Meniscus tears may occur from an acute injury or degenerative changes to the cartilage over time. The team at Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas classifies meniscus tears into types based on their look — longitudinal, bucket handle, or flap tear.

If you have a complex meniscus tear, the cartilage has more than one type of tear. 

How do I know if I have a complex meniscus tear?

The orthopaedic experts at Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas can determine if you have a complex meniscus tear after a consultation and imaging tests. 

When you tear the meniscus, you may feel a type of pop sensation, but no immediate pain or difficulty walking. Athletes may continue to participate in their sport following a meniscus tear. 

Within two to three days after the initial injury, you may experience knee pain, swelling, and stiffness. Your knee may feel unstable and feel like it’s catching or locking. 

Your provider at Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas reviews your symptoms and when they started. They also ask about your usual activities and medical history. 

The orthopaedic surgeon performs the McMurray test to diagnose meniscus tears. During this exam, your provider bends, straightens, and rotates your knee. If there’s any pain or clicking, then it’s likely you have a meniscus tear.

Your provider orders an MRI to confirm a meniscus tear and determine if it’s complex. 

What are the treatments for a complex meniscus tear?

The team at Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas talks to you about your complex meniscus tear and treatment options. They start with conservative interventions such as:

• Activity modifications
• Icing
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Physical therapy
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy

If your symptoms persist, the team may recommend arthroscopic knee surgery to evaluate the tear and remove or repair the damaged tissue. 

Call Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas today or book an appointment online to learn more about treatment for a complex meniscus tear.