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Meniscus Root Tear Treatment in Glendale, CA

The meniscus is a cartilage pad in the knee joint that sits on top of the shin bone (tibia).There are two menisci in the knee, medial and lateral. The function of the meniscus is to provide cushion and stability to the knee to protect the cartilage that coats the end of the thigh bone (femur).It is like a shock absorber. Without the meniscus, the cartilage that coats the end of the bone (articular cartilage) is subject to more pressure and can wear out over time. The meniscus root is the area at the tip of the meniscus that attaches to the bone.

Board-certified orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Ryan Morgan is dedicated to providing the best in orthopaedic care for patients suffering from a meniscus root tear in Glendale, CA. They will take the time to provide you with a comprehensive diagnosis to help determine the best treatment option for you. For more information, contact our office at 818-863-4446 and schedule an appointment today!

How Do Meniscus Root Tears Occur?

Meniscus injuries are very common. They can be sudden (acute) due to trauma, or chronic, due to wear and tear over time. Traumatic injuries can occur during sports or exercise. In the chronic, or degenerative tears, a simple awkward twist may cause the meniscus to tear.

What are the Symptoms of a Meniscus Root Tear?

Symptoms of a meniscus tear vary depending on the severity and location of the tear. You may feel or hear a pop. Most people can continue to walk or play sport with a meniscus tear, but the pain will develop over the next few days. Pain is located at the joint line-the space between your femur and tibia. It is usually worse with weight bearing, squatting or twisting. Associated symptoms can be swelling, catching, locking, or a sense of instability like giving out or buckling.

How do you Treat a Meniscus Root Tear?

Meniscus root tears are different than your typical tear. If the meniscus root is torn, the entire meniscus is destabilized and does not function properly. As such, these tears require different treatment than your typical tear as well. For standard meniscus tears a simple “clean up” of the torn fragment will eliminate the problem. For root tears, surgical repair is recommended to restore the meniscus stability and reduce the risk of future arthritis.