Meniscal Tears

What is a meniscal tear?

A Meniscal tear is a common knee injury that involves damage to the cartilage-like structures (menisci) in the knee joint. The menisci are two C-shaped cartilage leaves that act as shock absorbers and help distribute weight evenly across the knee joint.

How is a meniscal tear diagnosed?

A tear in the meniscus often leads to symptoms of pain, swelling of the knee and difficulty with knee movement.

Diagnosis of a meniscal tear usually involves an MRI scan; however, investigation of any underlying causes will require a detailed history, physical examination and x-rays.

Meniscal tears can occur as a result of various factors including:

Trauma or injury - sudden twisting or pivoting of the knee, such as those that occur during sports activities or falls
Degenerative changes - as we age, or arthritis is present there is uneven wear to the more brittle meniscus
Overuse or repetitive stress on the knee joint
Structural abnormalities such as malalignment or instability

How is a meniscal tear treated?

Treatment of the meniscal tear will depend on the underlying cause, severity of the tear and the patient's function and symptoms. In many cases, conservative treatment will be recommended initially including pain relief, injections, physiotherapy to strength the knee, and activity modification to reduce stress on the knee.

In cases where conservative management is not successful or the tear is severe, surgical treatment may be recommended. This may involve arthroscopic management of the knee to repair or debride the small area of torn meniscus. This may be recommended more promptly if there is concurrent ligament injury or a part of the meniscus blocking the knee.

If you are suffering from symptoms of a meniscal tear, it is important to get proper evaluation, diagnosis, and management by a trained surgeon as rushing into the wrong treatment can be worse than no treatment at all. It is especially important if you cannot fully move your knee, or it feels like movement is unstable or being blocked.

Dr Eardley-Harris is trained in all forms of non-operative and operative treatments for meniscal tears and will work with you to tailor a plan with consideration of your knee, your goals, and your function.

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Note: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and should not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare provider. Always seek professional medical advice for you, and your child's specific condition.

Meet Nathan

Adult & Paediatric Hip and Knee Surgeon

Dr Nathan Eardley-Harris has experience in providing care for patients throughout the entire spectrum of life

As an Australian-trained Orthopaedic Surgeon based in Adelaide, South Australia specialising in hip and knee surgery covering very young children to the elderly and everyone in-between, Nathan offers personalised care to help patients find the best outcomes in every unique condition.

He has subspecialty, post-fellowship training in hip preservation surgery and joint replacement, including robotic & technology-assisted surgery across all approaches, including the direct anterior approach. Through compassion, communication, collaboration & competence, Nathan aims to build patient-surgeon trust, helping you understand your condition and the options available to empower you to make better treatment decisions toward your personal recovery goals. With stronger, better-informed patient-surgeon relationships, evidence-based surgical techniques and the latest assistive technology, Nathan aims to provide patients with the best possible care.

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Together we have made the decision that surgery is the best pathway forward. Our team will discuss with you the timing and the location of your surgery, including the expected length of stay in hospital.

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Dr Eardley-Harris will sit down and plan your specific surgery to best achieve your goals. This may involve further tests needed for the planning, as well as any unique circumstances to your condition or injury.

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Prior to surgery, you will be given specific instructions to be ready for the operation. This may include certain tests, medication management, and pre-surgery & aftercare information.

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On the day of surgery, Dr Eardley-Harris will visit you in the pre-operative room, and answer any other questions that you have, and ensure that you are ready for your procedure. During your surgery, our team will ensure you are comfortable and well-informed.

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Following surgery you will enter the recovery room, with specialised nursing care. Here, you and your family will be informed of the findings, allowing you to be confident in the outcome. You will follow your pre-planned aftercare procedures to allow your body to recover.

Questions

Choosing surgery is a significant decision that often involves careful consideration of various factors. If you have any questions throughout your process, feel free to ask Dr Eardley-Harris' team for further clarity.

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