MOD 5: meniscus

Question 1

What are the two types of meniscus tears mentioned?

Answer 1

• Traumatic type tears
• Degenerative tears

Traumatic tears are distinct injuries, while degenerative tears reflect wear and tear of the tissue.

Question 2

The avascular zone of the knee meniscus is referred to as the __________.

Answer 2

white zone

This zone lacks a blood supply and is the inner 2/3 of the meniscus.

Question 3

The vascular zone of the knee meniscus is also called the __________.

Answer 3

red zone

This zone has a rich blood supply and can heal on its own.

Question 4

What is the estimated prevalence of meniscal injury?

Answer 4

12 to 14%

Meniscal injuries are second to ACL injuries in terms of common knee injuries.

Question 5

What is the unhappy triad in relation to knee injuries?

Answer 5

• ACL tear
• MCL tear
• Meniscal injury

These injuries often occur together.

Question 6

The lateral meniscus is more commonly injured in __________.

Answer 6

younger athletes

The medial meniscus is more commonly injured in older individuals.

Question 7

A person may describe a planting and twisting injury similar to the mechanism of which ligament?

Answer 7

ACL

This type of injury can also be due to hyperflexion or hyperextension.

Question 8

What are common symptoms of a meniscus injury?

Answer 8

• Pain at the joint line
• Swelling
• Locking or catching sensation
• Inability to fully extend the knee

These symptoms may indicate an internal derangement of the meniscus.

Question 9

What special tests are used to evaluate meniscal injuries?

Answer 9

• McMurray’s test
• Thessaly test

These tests help assess the presence of meniscal injuries.

Question 10

The criteria for meniscal injury include which of the following?

Answer 10

• History of catching or locking
• Pain with force application
• Joint line tenderness
• Audible click

Greater specificity is achieved with more criteria present.

Question 11

True or false: Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy provides greater benefit for knee symptoms than placebo surgery.

Answer 11

FALSE

It provides no greater benefit and may increase knee osteoarthritis risk.

Question 12

Factors that influence a person’s prognosis after a meniscus injury include:

Answer 12

• Weight
• BMI
• Psychosocial health
• Baseline knee pain
• Strength

These factors can affect recovery and functional outcomes.

Question 13

What imaging technique is used to visualize structures in the knee, particularly the meniscus?

Answer 13

MRI

T1 weighted MRI after a knee arthrogram allows for detailed visualization.