How to determine meniscus injury
Meniscus injury is one of the common sports injuries of the knee joint, especially among athletes and people who engage in physical labor for a long time. Knowing how to identify a meniscal injury is critical for early diagnosis and treatment. This article will combine the hot topics and hot content on the Internet in the past 10 days to provide you with a detailed introduction to the diagnostic methods, symptoms and related data of meniscal injury.
1. Common symptoms of meniscal injury

Symptoms of meniscal injury vary from person to person, but here are some common ones:
| Symptoms | Description |
|---|---|
| knee pain | Usually worsened by activity or weight-bearing and relieved by rest |
| swollen joints | Appears within hours of injury and may be accompanied by effusion |
| joint locking | The knee joint suddenly gets stuck and cannot be straightened or bent |
| snapping or clicking sound | Abnormal sounds in the joints during movement |
| Restricted activities | Reduced range of motion of the knee joint, especially flexion and extension movements |
2. Diagnostic Methods of Meniscal Injury
Determining a meniscal injury requires a combination of clinical symptoms and medical examination. The following are commonly used diagnostic methods:
| diagnostic methods | Description |
|---|---|
| Physical examination | Doctors use special techniques to examine the knee joint, such as the McMurray test |
| Imaging examination | Including X-ray, MRI, etc. MRI is the gold standard for diagnosing meniscal injuries. |
| Arthroscopy | Minimally invasive surgery allows direct observation of meniscal damage |
3. Grading of meniscal injuries
Based on MRI findings, meniscal injuries can be divided into the following grades:
| Grading | Description | Treatment recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Level I | Point-like high signals appear inside the meniscus | Conservative treatment, rest and observation |
| Level II | Linear high signal appears inside the meniscus but does not reach the articular surface | Mainly conservative treatment |
| Level III | High signal extends to articular surface | Usually requires surgery |
4. Preventive measures for meniscus injury
Preventing meniscal injuries is more important than treating them. Here are some effective prevention methods:
1.Warm up thoroughly before exercise:Warming up can increase muscle temperature and joint flexibility, reducing the risk of injury.
2.Strengthen the muscles around the knee joint:Strength training of the quadriceps and hamstrings can improve knee stability.
3.Use knee pads:Wear appropriate protective gear during strenuous exercise or physical work.
4.Avoid sudden turns and sudden stops:These actions can easily lead to a meniscus tear.
5.Maintain a reasonable weight:Excess weight will increase the burden on the knee joints.
5. Latest Treatment Progress
According to the medical hot spots in the past 10 days, there are the following new developments in the treatment of meniscal injuries:
1.Stem cell therapy:Research suggests stem cells may promote repair of meniscal injuries.
2.3D printed meniscus:Scientists are developing implantable 3D printed meniscus replacements.
3.Minimally invasive surgical techniques:Advances in arthroscopic technology have made surgery less invasive and recovery faster.
6. When Do You Need Medical Treatment?
It is recommended to seek medical attention immediately if:
- Knee pain that lasts for more than a week
- Joint swelling is obvious and does not subside
- Knee joint movement is significantly limited
- Symptoms of interlocking appear
Early diagnosis and treatment of meniscal injuries are critical to prognosis. By understanding the symptoms and diagnosis, you can better determine whether you need professional medical help. Remember, with any knee problem, prompt medical attention is the wisest option.
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