Duration of a meniscus tear
How long does a meniscus tear last without surgery?
How long a meniscal tear takes to heal is individually different and depends on the Type of injury (Trauma, degenerative process) and from the Location of the crack from. If the meniscus tear has occurred over a longer period of time as a result of degenerative processes, then the meniscus tissue has usually already become very thin due to the increased wear and tear, until a meniscus tear then occurs. In such degenerative meniscus tears Therapy without surgery (conservative therapy) is usually not very promising. If the injury causes little or no discomfort and pain, surgery can be dispensed with in individual cases, but the worn meniscus tissue is not expected to heal.
Is the meniscus tear against it through trauma (e.g. due to a sports accident), the plays Location of the tear in the meniscus a role in how long it takes to heal. The location of the meniscus injuries is often divided into three areas. A meniscus tear in the red area lies in the outer area with good blood circulation, injuries in the red and white area lie in the middle third of the meniscus and cracks in the white and white area are in the inner third. Injuries that are in the red and red-white area have one relatively good healing tendencywhen treated without surgery. Meniscus tears that are in the white-white area (i.e. on the inside of the meniscus with poor or no blood supply) show no healing activity. Injuries in this area cannot be treated conservatively and must be removed as part of an operation during a knee arthroscopy.
The duration of wound healing after a meniscus tear does not only depend on the extent of the meniscus damage itself, it is also decisive how much the surrounding tissue in the knee joint was damaged. The torn meniscus rubs against the neighboring cartilage surfaces and can cause further injuries here. If a meniscus tear remains untreated for a long time, even more structures in the knee joint are often affected, which disrupts the healing process.
Meniscus wound healing
An injury in the well-perfused part of the meniscus near the base of the meniscus runs different Wound healing processes of different duration, as everywhere else in our body with injuries. First, the meniscus tear causes a Bleedingbecause tissue has been injured. This bleeding is stopped by the body's own blood clotting system and it forms bruise (Hematoma).
Also read more on the topic: Bruise in the knee
This bleeding causes certain immune cells (Leukocytes, monocytes, macrophages), which in turn release messenger substances, creating a Pain and inflammation reaction is set in motion. This first phase of meniscus wound healing is called the Inflammatory phase and lasts about four to five days on. The next phase will Proliferation phase called. Here the cells start new connective tissue (Collagen) with which the meniscus tear can be closed and filled. The duration of this process is up to ten weeks and it closes the Conversion phase on. During the remodeling phase, the connective tissue that has formed is remodeled into the actual collagen of the meniscus. It often takes several months for the entire meniscus tear to heal with new, functionally remodeled tissue. Over the entire wound healing process there is one Sprouting of vessels in the injury area what the Blood circulation restores the meniscus.
Some studies have shown that meniscus tears can also heal, which are located in the area of the meniscus with no blood supply. The duration and the exact process of wound healing is in this case, however, exactly is not yet exactly clarified. It is believed that the joint capsule and the protective Synovial fluid Repair processes can initiate.
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My name is dr. Nicolas Gumpert. I am a specialist in orthopedics and the founder of .
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The knee joint is one of the joints with the greatest stress.
Therefore, the treatment of the knee joint (e.g. meniscus tear, cartilage damage, cruciate ligament damage, runner's knee, etc.) requires a lot of experience.
I treat a wide variety of knee diseases in a conservative way.
The aim of any treatment is treatment without surgery.
Which therapy achieves the best results in the long term can only be determined after looking at all of the information (Examination, X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, etc.) be assessed.
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Duration after surgery
Duration of healing
Of the Meniscal tear arises either through an accident and an accompanying trauma or it is that Result of wear and tear and chronic degenerative processes. As a rule, a meniscus tear is nowadays caused by a Arthroscopy treated surgically. Only in exceptional cases and with additional injury to the ligamentous apparatus will be another open operative procedure applied. The Type of operation is decisive for the duration of the healing and regeneration of a meniscus tear, because in addition to the period for the sutured meniscus to grow together or to heal a partial removal of the meniscus are also the Size of the wound area and the Risk of wound infection not to be ignored.
After the operation is the patient Resilient again after a few days, especially after a partial meniscus resection, the regeneration time is very short. Became the meniscus surgically sewnrecommends a further rest period. This can be done with Forearm crutches and rails, to Stabilization of the knee joint be relieved. Support should be a rehabilitation through outpatient physical therapy, Lymphatic drainage and Movement exercises be sought. If these exercises are not performed, the muscles may decrease, which permanently restricts the movement of the knee joint. The individual healing time is from that Extent of injury, of the surgical technique used and the Follow the doctor's instructions of the patient after the operation.
Duration of incapacity for work (AU)
The Length of incapacity for work After meniscus surgery depends on both the severity and location of the tear and the associated Surgical technique as well as from the professional activity and related Stress on the patient. If the demolished part of the meniscus during an arthroscopy away one speaks of a Partial meniscal resection. After this procedure, depending on the load on the knees at work work again after 1 to 3 weeks. The meniscal tear became however sewn, healing takes much longer and is a complete burden for physically active professionals only after 6 to 8 weeks possible again.
Even with one Profession with office work should the Sick leave here for at least 4 weeks last for. In some cases it makes sense to have a slow reintegration to start everyday working life instead of starting a full day at work. These predetermined time periods should are complied with by employers and employeesso that the meniscus tear can heal completely. Otherwise it is Risk of another tear high. It can also be used for Tearing of the meniscus suture or to Irritation of the wound area and associated swelling and pain come.
Exercise while the meniscus is healing?
It is fundamental with a meniscus tear It is advisable to consistently adhere to the times for relieving and protecting the knee joint set by doctors and therapists. However, for the duration of the wound healing process of the meniscal tear it is also necessary that the healing tissue regular loads which are good for the knee joint. The affected person should move and strain the knee joint in reduced form. Because without such physiological stimuli, the body cannot build up a functional and load-stable meniscus tissue.
Since the meniscus is poorly supplied with blood, When moving, it feeds on the synovial fluid. If such moderate exercise therapy is not carried out, they will stop physiological stress stimuli and an inferior one arises Replacement or scar tissue. An optimal load on the meniscus can be achieved through axial loads (slight knee bending of max. 60 degrees) and through Rotational movements of the knee joint. However, it must always be ensured that the wound healing of the meniscus tear is not yet complete and the intensity of the stress should be based on the various phases of wound healing. It can also be useful to put increasing strain on the knee joint and menisci under physiotherapeutic guidance perform. Physiotherapy also serves to strengthen the muscles, the Maintaining the mobility of the knee joint and one Stabilization of the joint.
At what point in time after a meniscus tear, what kind of sporting activities can be carried out again depends, among other things, on the age and constitution of the person affected. In younger people, the healing processes usually take place faster while wound healing takes longer in older people. It should always be noted that a meniscus tear is a considerable one for the knee joint Stressful moment represents. The meniscus is made up of hard fiber cartilage and can damage the soft articular cartilage with each step by rubbing the tear. So it can become one Joint wear, knee osteoarthritis. If the meniscus tear has not yet healed, you should never do sports, especially if you have pain symptoms and discomfort. Good support from doctors and therapists during the healing period is important and useful. The Exercise program should be put together individually and be based on healing status and therapy goals.
Sports that are gentle on the knee such as aqua jogging, crawl swimming and cycling can be resumed earlier than knee-joint stressful sports such as skiing, football or handball games. These sports can overload the meniscus due to abrupt changes in speed or direction or other rapid changes in dynamics. Any exercise that tenses the leg muscles is suitable, especially exercises to strengthen the front and back of the thigh muscles are useful. The knee itself should not be moved during such exercises, i.e. neither bent nor straightened. Good coordination and strong muscles prevent signs of wear and tear in the knee and ensure a healthy meniscus. The thigh and lower leg muscles near the knees must be strengthened in order to achieve a controlled guidance of the knee in the course of movement to achieve and to prevent incorrect loads.
Jogging and long-distance running are very stressful on the knees and can further damage the meniscus. Therefore, such sports should only be practiced again when the knee is no longer fat, does not cause any discomfort or pain and the muscle strength in the leg has returned to its original level.
