Introduction
What is meniscal deficiency?
Found between the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia) are two crescent-shaped discs known as the meniscus cartilage. While these rubbery discs act as a shock absorber between the femur and tibia and also lubricate the knee joint for seamless movement, the primary role of the meniscus cartilage is to stabilize and protect the knee ligaments from outside forces. A traumatic event or the natural aging process can damage the meniscus and cause this cartilage to progressively deteriorate over time. Meniscal deficiency is the deterioration of the knee joint in the absence of the meniscus cartilage. This joint condition often stems from prior knee surgery in which a portion or all of the meniscus cartilage is removed. Meniscal deficiency can lead to misalignment of the bones and further contribute to the onset of arthritis. Dr. Frank McCormick, orthopedic knee specialist serving Orlando, West Palm Beach County, and surrounding Florida communities, has the knowledge and understanding, as well as substantial experience, in treating patients with meniscal deficiency.
What are the symptoms of meniscal deficiency?
Knee pain that is more noticeable with joint movement is a common complaint among individuals with meniscal deficiency. Stiffness and swelling are also commonly reported symptoms. Some other symptoms of meniscal deficiency include:
- Modified activities due to severity of knee pain
- A “locking” sensation with knee joint movement
- Loss of function of the affected knee
How is meniscal deficiency diagnosed?
Dr. McCormick will obtain a medical history to include any precipitating knee injuries or prior knee surgeries. A physical examination will follow to evaluate the affected knee for areas of pain and tenderness as well as perform a range of motion assessment. Imaging studies, such as x-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may be requested as these are useful diagnostic tools that allow Dr. McCormick to further evaluate the health of the knee joint structures.
What is the treatment for meniscal deficiency?
Non-surgical treatment:
Conservative therapy options may be beneficial in addressing the patient’s specific symptoms and needs. Modifying or limiting activities that exacerbate pain is strongly encouraged. A weight loss program may be recommended to alleviate the additional stress on the knee joint. The pain and inflammation associated with this condition can be managed with a combination of a knee brace, rest, ice, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). If these symptoms still persist with oral medications, Dr. McCormick can administer a corticosteroid injection directly into the knee joint. A physical therapy program will also be designed to strengthen the knee joint and improve range of motion.
Surgical treatment:
Surgical intervention may be necessary for patients with severe symptoms or failed conservative therapies. There are a number of surgical treatment options available to correct meniscal deficiency. Dr. McCormick will review several patient factors, including age, medical history, and activity level, to determine which of the following surgical techniques best addresses the patient’s specific needs:
- Knee Arthroscopy. This minimally invasive procedure uses a small camera (arthroscope) and specialized surgical instruments to remove any damaged fragments from the meniscus.
- High Tibial Osteotomy. A bone wedge is removed from the proximal tibia (the area closest to the knee joint) to alleviate any pressure on the deficient meniscus area.
- Meniscal Allograft Transplantation (MAT). The missing or absent meniscus cartilage is replaced with a donor meniscus.
Partial Knee Replacement. This technique is reserved for patients that have exposed bone from osteoarthritis and the meniscus cannot be repaired or replaced. - Total Knee Replacement. This procedure replaces the bony surfaces of the knee joint with metal and plastic components to address advanced osteoarthritis.
For more information on meniscus tears of the knee, or the excellent treatment options available, please contact the office of Frank McCormick, MD, orthopedic knee specialist serving Orlando, West Palm Beach County, and surrounding Florida communities.
