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Dr. Erol Yoldas, Orthopedic Surgeon at Orthopedic Specialty Institute (OSI) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Joe Bernreuter, DPT, In-House Physical Therapist at OSI last week sat down with host Dr. Richard Lehman to talk about MCL Injuries. This week the same expert crew returns to address meniscal tears which has become one of the more common injuries, particularly for athletes competing at a high level of sport.
- Dr. Richard Lehman, Director of U.S. Center for Sports Medicine + CEO LehmanHealth
- Dr. Erol Yoldas, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon, OSI, (FL)
- Joe Bernreuter, DPT, In-House PT at OSI (FL)
What is a torn meniscus and how does it occur? What are some of the different treatment protocols? How long is the recovery process? Keep reading then tune in for what proves to be another can’t-miss episode of In Your Corner with CORA.
What is a Torn Meniscus and How Does Injury Occur?
Activities that cause you to forcefully twist or rotate your knee can lead to a torn meniscus. As the Mayo Clinic explains: “Each of your knees has two C-shaped pieces of cartilage that act like a cushion between your shinbone and your thighbone (menisci). A torn meniscus causes pain, swelling and stiffness. You also might feel a block to knee motion and have trouble extending your knee fully.”
What is the Typical Treatment Process for Meniscus Tears?
The severity of the tear as well as age, activity level, and other contributing factors of the patient usually determines the treatment technique and recovery protocols. Younger populations, or athletes, can sometimes take a more aggressive approach to rehabilitation whereas older patients tend to be more on the conservative side of recover. Conservative treatment — such as rest, ice and medication — is sometimes enough to relieve the pain of a torn meniscus and give the injury time to heal on its own. In some cases, the more severe meniscus injuries require surgical repair.
Our panel discusses these topics and answers some questions frequently asked by patients. Tune in to learn more about:
- The anatomy of the meniscus, including the blood supply and portions of the meniscal. Which portions are vascular vs. nonvascular?
- Are medial meniscus tears more common than lateral meniscus tears? Are they more common with ACL injuries? Are older patients predisposed to meniscus injuries?
- What are the different classifications of meniscal tear locations, position, pattern, root and complex?
- Describe the physical exam. Are there any sort of specialized tests used to detect a meniscal tear and associated injuries?
- Is imaging necessary when evaluating a patient with a possible meniscus tear? How accurate is the imaging?
- What is the difference in treatment techniques for a meniscus tear, specifically non-operative vs surgical?
- For conservative care, explain the rehab and the length of treatment. When can the patient return-to-sport or activity? Is there a viable home program?
Meniscal Tears (Part 1 of 2) is loaded with expert advice and information for you – the patient! Our physical therapists and orthopedic experts even recommend nutritional tips that can help prepare then optimize your body during your recovery.
CORA is in your corner with experienced partners, larger networks, and the resources available to deliver exceptional care to you — and uniquely for you.
What Can You Expect in Terms of Pain, Function and Strength in Your Recovery?
In Part 2 of our podcast panel on Meniscus Tears, our experts explain the difference between meniscal repair vs meniscectomy for surgical treatment to repair a torn meniscus. They address some of the long term results and ramifications for conservative care compared to surgical repair and describe the rehab process following surgery.
How long is therapy? When can you expect to regain strength and return-to-sport?
Find pearls of wisdom that you can’t get anywhere else – for free at least! Why? CORA is in your corner to live healthier and happier with the networks and information you deserve.
