Minneapolis Meniscus Tear Lawyer
The meniscus is a fibrous-like cartilage and collagen cushion between the femur and tibia. They are held in place with coronary ligaments. The menisci serve as shock absorbers for the knee. They help distribute impact and load, as well as improve stability of the knee joint. Most of the meniscus is avascular, meaning no direct blood supply. Without a blood supply, healing cannot take place.
Meniscus tears are one of the most common knee injuries, frequently occurring in motor vehicle accidents or slip and fall accidents. The meniscus can be torn when the knee sustains compression simultaneously with twisting. Symptoms of a meniscus tear include:
- pain and swelling
- locking knee joint
- popping or clicking when the knee is bent
- limited motion
Treatment of Meniscus Tears
X-rays and MRIs can be used to help diagnose a meniscus tear. An x-ray does not show the meniscus, but will show evidence of damage to the knee joint. An MRI can actually show the meniscus, including any tears or damage.
Treatment of meniscal tears varies depending on several factors, including the type of tear, age of patient, activity level, and any related injuries. The physician may decide that arthroscopic surgery is necessary to repair or remove the damaged meniscus. During surgery, the meniscus will either be sutured, trimmed, or removed. The objective is to leave the joint surfaces smooth.
As with any surgery, there are risks with arthroscopic knee surgery. Some of the complications are:
- nerve damage
- infection
- bleeding
- reaction to anesthetic
Minneapolis Knee Injury Attorney
The lawyers at Terry, Slane & Ruohonen are dedicated, passionate litigators with years of experience and a reputation for getting the job done. Our partners have recovered millions for hundreds of victims. Call 612-362-0000 or contact a meniscus tear lawyer.
