A torn meniscus is a painful injury that can cause you to stop doing activities you enjoy. When coupled with knee arthritis, it can be even more debilitating. At Tchejeyan Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine in Thousand Oaks, California, we have been pioneering different methods for treating meniscus tears when arthritis is already present in the joint. 

The knee is a hinge joint, meaning it primarily operates in a single plane of motion despite its capacity for limited side-to-side movement. Four bones meet at the knee joint: the femur (in your thigh), the tibia and fibula (in the calf and shin), and the patella (kneecap). Ligaments connect these bones to one another, while tendons connect them to muscles. 

Cartilage throughout the joint on the ends of the bones and between the bones provides cushioning and lubrication so that the bones do not rub against each other and so that the joint moves smoothly. Two notable pieces of cartilage — the lateral meniscus and medial meniscus –  can be found at the end of the tibia to provide cushioning from impact movements. These pieces of cartilage can become torn, usually by twisting the knee joint beyond its normal range of motion.

Effects of Knee Arthritis

Arthritis is an umbrella term for degenerative damage to joints. There are several types of arthritis, the most common being osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Each causes different conditions within the knee.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of the condition. It is characterized by deterioration of the knee joint, including the bones, cartilage, and connective tissue. Inflammation plays a significant role in its progression; however, OA can also be caused by the following:

• Poor lifestyle habits, such as an unhealthy diet and lack of exercise
• Excess weight, which puts a lot of strain on the joints
• Prior traumatic injury
• Wear and tear from demanding physical work, such as construction or farming

Many people manage their OA with low-impact exercises and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications. However, joint damage will continue to progress, and an additional injury, such as a torn meniscus, warrants a visit to an orthopedic specialist.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Autoimmune disorders are conditions in which the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissue. RA is an autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammation and deterioration of the joints. RA is usually symmetrical – in other words, if a joint on the right side is arthritic, the same joint on the left side will also be arthritic, although one side can be affected more than the other. There is no cure for RA, but early diagnosis can lead to effective management and slow its progression. Patients with RA can experience symptoms beyond joint pain and deterioration, including fever and fatigue. 

Treatment Options Depend on the Damage

If a patient with pre-existing arthritis experiences a meniscus tear, the best approach for treatment depends on several factors, including the nature and extent of the meniscus injury, the patient’s normal activity level, and the overall condition of the joint at the time of the injury. If you are in this situation, your orthopedic doctor will determine the appropriate treatment based on a physical examination of your knee and obtaining an accurate image of the joint from an MRI or other imaging method.

The most basic treatment for a minor meniscus injury when arthritic conditions are present is resting the injured knee in an elevated position, treating it with ice, and undergoing physical therapy. For minor tears, you may have to undergo arthroscopic surgery to repair the damage. If the joint is severely deteriorated, then a total knee replacement may be warranted, as it may be the only remedy that can enable you to alleviate the pain and regain mobility.Arthritic joints can always suffer additional injuries, particularly because arthritis weakens the joint and often causes people to move awkwardly to minimize the pain and stiffness. For people with arthritic knees, a meniscus injury may prompt the need to address the joint with more aggressive treatment, which may include joint replacement. If you have arthritis or experience any type of knee injury, contact TJN Ortho to schedule an appointment at our Thousand Oaks, California, office.