Can you tell if a meniscus is torn without an MRI?
A torn meniscus can be painful and disruptive to your daily functions. Mild tears in the meniscus can heal without much intervention, but some cases require the immediate attention of a physician. An experienced orthopedic knee surgeon can diagnose the symptoms of a Complex Tear of Medial Meniscus with a physical exam. If the symptoms suggest a torn meniscus, the physician can recommend imaging tests like MRI and X-ray.
Understanding a Torn Meniscus
The meniscus is a band of cartilage that sits between your tibia and femur bones, acting as a shock absorber. Sports, falls, and lifting heavy objects are the leading causes of acute meniscus tear. Your meniscus can also tear over time when your cartilage becomes old and degenerates. Meniscus tears can be lateral, medial, or root. Lateral tears occur along the outside edge of the knee, while medial tears are on the inside of the knee. Root tears occur where the meniscus joins the bone.
A meniscus tear can also be mild, moderate, or severe. Mild tears may involve slight pain at first and lingering pain or swelling around the knee later. The pain may remain for a few weeks until your knee heals. Moderate tears involve more pain and swelling that worsens in the first few days after your injury. You may feel uncomfortable bending or straightening your knee. Severe tears are rare but more evident because of the level of pain. You may not be able to bend your knee or walk.
Diagnosing a Torn Meniscus
Your physician can perform a physical evaluation to determine if you demonstrate the symptoms of a torn meniscus. The physical exam involves moving your knee and leg into various positions, walking, squatting, and stretching. Imaging tests like X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging, and MRI can further confirm the tear and rule out other issues. The meniscus is a cartilage, so it won’t show up in an X-ray, which only shows bones. X-rays can reveal fractures, joint dislocation, and other issues with similar symptoms.
An MRI uses a strong magnetic field to provide detailed images of hard and soft tissues. Physicians prefer an MRI for diagnosing torn menisci because it shows the soft tissues of a cartilage. The MRI can show where the tear is and how the swelling impacts other parts of your knee. Your orthopedic knee surgeon can also use an arthroscope to see the inside of your knee. An arthroscope is a small device with a light and tiny camera. The device transmits enlarged images of the inside of your knee to a monitor.
Non-MRI Meniscus Diagnosis
An MRI is the best diagnostic test for meniscus tears. The test shows clear images of the meniscus and surrounding tissues, allowing your orthopedist to locate the tear. Orthopedists may be able to tell if you have a meniscus tear without an MRI, but imaging provides conclusive evidence. Physical tests require further evaluation through imaging, and X-rays only rule out other conditions. An MRI pinpoints the problem and shows how the tear affects other parts of the leg.
Arthroscopy is another practical test orthopedists can use to detect torn menisci. Your knee surgeon can insert an instrument through the arthroscope to trim the meniscus tear. The surgeon can also create a small incision in the knee to repair the torn meniscus. Arthroscopy is mainly used to treat acute meniscal tears, usually after conclusive evidence from an MRI. Knee surgeons can also use an arthroscope to inspect the inside of your knee after a physical evaluation and X-ray.
Speak To an Orthopedic Knee Surgeon
Knee injuries can disrupt your daily activities, making walking or supporting your weight difficult. If you have knee issues, see an experienced orthopedist as soon as possible to avoid aggravating the condition. Speak to an orthopedic knee surgeon today to learn about meniscus tears, knee injuries, and treatment options.
