ACL and meniscus tears are both common injuries affecting the knee. They differ in what part of the knee is affected, as well as in what symptoms they may cause. Similar treatments may be used for both conditions in many cases.

About ACL Tears

The knee contains four ligaments which are responsible for holding it in place and facilitating movement: the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), the lateral collateral ligament (LCL), and the medial collateral ligament (MCL). If the knee is twisted or forced past its normal range of motion, the ACL may be stretched or torn.

ACL tears range in severity from mild (stretched but little actual tearing), moderate (torn but ligament is intact) to severe (ligament is torn in two pieces). Depending on the severity of the injury, symptoms of pain, decreased range of motion, and knee instability may occur.

About Meniscus Tears 

The knee also contains two menisci, which are wedge-shaped pieces of cartilage that help facilitate smooth movement of the knee. If the knee is subjected to trauma, long-term stress, or abnormal movements, the meniscus may tear.

Meniscus tears usually cause pain, stiffness, and a feeling of discomfort when moving the knee. The nature of the symptoms depends on how severe the tear is, as well as where on the meniscus the tear occurred.

ACL and meniscus tears are not mutually exclusive – if the knee has been severely injured, damage to both parts of the knee may occur. In addition, the meniscus can be torn in more than one place.

Risk Factors for ACL and Meniscus Tears

Some people are at an elevated risk of sustaining ACL tears and meniscus tears. Some risk factors for these and other knee injuries include:

• Athletic training at an elite level, especially if over-training occurs
• Participation in contact sports, like football, or sports with sudden turns and stops, like basketball
• Middle age
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle

Treatment

Treatment for ACL and meniscus tears depends on how bad the injury is and how the patient has responded to past treatments. In some cases, methods like rest, medication, and physical therapy can restore the knee to working condition. If the tear is severe or the patient is very physically active, then surgery may be needed. Although the procedures differ based on the type of injury, both ACL tears and meniscus tears can be treated using arthroscopic knee surgery, a minimally invasive form of surgery.

Dr. Howard Marans would be happy to meet with you about your knee health. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at (714) 979-8981.