Torn Meniscus Injury

The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s Team of Dedicated Personal Injury Attorneys Will Work Tirelessly on Behalf of Clients Who Have Suffered Torn Meniscus Injuries.

In the United States, meniscus tears account for nearly 14% of the total annual knee injuries. It is one of the most common types of knee injuries, particularly among athletes. Once thought to be an inconsequential part of human anatomy, today, the meniscus is recognized as being a crucial component of the knee joint. Women between the ages of 11 and 19 and men between the ages of 21 and 30 are most likely to suffer a torn meniscus, but it can happen at any stage of life.

For over 20 years, Jed Dietrich, Esq. has successfully represented individuals in personal injury cases throughout Western New York. Today, he is regarded to be a Best Lawyer of America and is fully capable of representing you in your personal injury case. To receive your free consultation, call us now at 716-839-3939 or visit us online.

The word meniscus is derived from the Greek “meniskos,” which translates to “crescent moon.” The body has two menisci in each knee: the inner medial meniscus and the outer lateral meniscus. These curved discs of cartilage are sandwiched between the thighbone and shinbone and act as shock absorbers for the body. Much like the shock absorbers on a motor vehicle, the menisci help to absorb the impact of running and walking. They also support the knee joint by providing stability and lubrication.

A torn meniscus can occur when the knee twists suddenly. If the knee is bearing weight and the body then asks it to turn sharply, the combination of pressure and twisting force can pull the meniscus apart. There are many types of meniscus tears, but three of the most common are:

1. A Bucket Handle Tear: Accounting for 10% of all meniscus tears, it affects the inner or medial meniscus. The name derives from the meniscus’ tendency to turn back on itself;
2. An Incomplete Tear: Often able to be treated without surgery, these types of tears are one of the first signs that the meniscus has begun to degenerate; and
3. A Radial Tear: The most common type of tear and also the most difficult to heal. Surgery is often the only recourse for treating a radial tear.

A meniscus tear has two common causes: sports and age. Often in sports, individuals are moving fast and dynamically over uneven terrain. Sudden movements, such as twisting, squatting, pivoting, and even tackling, can cause the meniscus to rip. Football, soccer, basketball, lacrosse, and wrestling are some of the most prevalent causes of knee injuries but running, gymnastics and cheerleading can lead to torn meniscus injuries as well. The second most common cause of a meniscus tear is age-related. As the body ages, it weakens and begins to wear down. A degenerative meniscus tear is the result of weakened cartilage being wrenched with sufficient force to rip it.

It is not always apparent when the meniscus has torn because many individuals find they are still able to walk following the injury. When the shock absorbers weaken on a car, for example, you start to feel every bump on the road but you are still able to drive. The most common indication of a torn meniscus is a sudden pop in the knee. Pain in the knee, restricted range of motion, swelling, stiffness, and the feeling that the knee cannot support you are also common symptoms.

Any accident that results in a torn meniscus injury can leave a lasting impact. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s team of highly experienced and top rated personal injury attorneys always make their clients their priority. Reach out to us today by calling 716-839-3939 or visit us online to schedule your free consultation. Our offices are available twenty-four hours a day and seven days a week.

Depending on the type of tear, a torn meniscus can heal on its own. The RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) can be used to facilitate the healing process of the meniscus. Crutches might be necessary to keep pressure off of the knee joint as it recovers. A doctor might recommend physical therapy as well to help strengthen the knee joint.

More serious meniscus tears can only be repaired with surgery. In some instances, the meniscus can be stitched back together, but for some, a partial meniscectomy is the only recourse. This is usually true for radial tears, where the only option is to trim back the meniscus to leave healthy, undamaged tissue. Individuals experiencing degenerative meniscus tears, and even younger individuals experiencing debilitating side effects, sometimes have the option of a full knee replacement surgery. The average recovery time following a meniscus tear treatment is 3 weeks to 3 months, depending on the method of surgery. The success rate of a torn meniscus treatment is very high and is often able to heal without lasting side effects.

Jed Dietrich, Esq., recognized as a New York Super Lawyer, is well acquainted with the often-calamitous effects of personal injury. He has represented countless clients over the years, attaining over $175,000,000 in successful wins for his personal injury clients. If you believe that you or a loved one have been injured in Buffalo, New York, do not hesitate to reach out to the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. at 716-839-3939 or by filling out the online consultation form.

Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. immediately at 716-839-3939 so that our aggressive, tenacious and hardworking personal injury lawyers can fight to obtain the best result for your personal injury claim in Buffalo, New York. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee until we WIN for you!