Sports activities are essential ways of staying in good shape and socializing with friends. Unfortunately, they can contribute to several damages, including knee injuries. For instance, your meniscus may be torn during these activities. A torn meniscus can be intimidating because it causes sharp knee pain. To address these complications, some people have turned to meniscectomy Chula Vista. The procedure is crucial in addressing these meniscus tears effectively if performed effectively. Now, let’s look at the different types of meniscus tears you should know.
Incomplete Tear
In most cases, an incomplete tear may look normal when your surgeon starts performing the surgery. However, the tear may signify that your meniscus tissue is in the initial stages of degenerative changes. Luckily, this injury does not put more risk of further complications. They are referred to as stable injuries, and surgery may not always be necessary as they are visible via an MRI scan.
Radial Tear
They are the most common meniscus tear that occurs within the meniscus avascular (no blood supply) zone. There is limited capacity for these tears to heal with no blood supply. When the surgeon notices they have reached a point of surgery, the only option is to trim the damaged meniscus portion.
Horizontal Tear
This type effectively responds well to surgical meniscus repair. Instead of removing the damaged meniscus portion, your healthcare provider can sew the horizontal tear together. The key factor for determining the best treatment is the location. If the horizontal tear occurs within the vascular part of the meniscus, repair may be the ideal solution. Nevertheless, if located more centrally, these tears cannot heal regardless of being repaired.
Complex Tear
This tear occurs when there is a combination of tear patterns. In most instances, it involves both horizontal and radial patterns. However, surgeons cannot treat these types of tears through surgery because their nature is complex. In rare situations, surgeons can remove some torn meniscus while performing a repair to other knee portions.
Flap Tear
The flap tear of the meniscus in the image’s bottom right corner is an unusual tear pattern. It occurs when a part of the cartilage is peeled back and stuck in the joints leading it to be locked up. Your surgeon can repair the issue without removing many tissues if the flap causes the knee to catch.
Bucket Handle Tear
It is similar to a horizontal tear but comprises a larger part of the meniscus. When it occurs, the knee gets stuck where the torn part of the meniscus obstructs the knee’s normal movement. It mainly requires urgent surgery to rectify the knee’s capability to bend.
A meniscus tear can cause distractions to your well-being because it leads to difficulty in moving. If you currently have a torn meniscus, a meniscectomy can be the solution. If you are wondering where you can get meniscectomy services, consider Ortho 1 Medical Group. Located in Chula Vista, California, the center offers an inclusive minimally invasive meniscectomy to treat a torn meniscus. Call their office or book through their online link to schedule an appointment today.