Pharmacie Kennedy Mulhouse

Meniscal injury: preserving tissue and recognising a locked knee

A meniscal lesion does not always require surgery. Injury type, daily difficulties and any knee locking guide the discussion.

Editorial illustration of a health discussion; it does not depict the pharmacy’s actual premises.
Editorial illustration — Kennedy Pharmacy Mulhouse

General information, not an individual diagnosis. Ask a healthcare professional if you are unsure about your situation.

If your knee stays locked and you cannot fully straighten the leg for a prolonged period, seek urgent assessment. A particular meniscal injury may require urgent arthroscopy; do not try to diagnose it yourself.

After a meniscal lesion diagnosis, ask whether it is traumatic or degenerative and stable or unstable. Menisci spread pressure and absorb loads; preserving their tissue matters when choosing care.

An injured meniscus can be left in place if the lesion is stable and does not restrict movement. Medical treatment may be offered, with medicines, sometimes a support and rehabilitation depending on the situation.

The operation decision considers symptoms, the location and extent of injury, stability and any associated ligament injuries. An abnormal image alone cannot let you choose an operation yourself.

When surgery is chosen, the aim is to retain as much meniscus as possible. Stitch repair and removal of only the damaged part are different procedures with different recovery requirements.

Ask which procedure was performed and which weight-bearing and exercise instructions apply to you: precautions may last longer after a repair. Have the programme and checks written down before resuming usual activities.

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