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Torn basket handle tear in the inner meniscus

June 27, 2012 | 25,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Kathrin Hamann

Hello,

I sustained a tear in the basket-handle meniscus in my knee. It has been 8 weeks now, as my primary care physician initially misdiagnosed it (first as a sprained medial collateral ligament). Currently, I have no problems in my daily life, just occasionally a minimal stabbing or pressure sensation. However, sports are out of the question. I have an appointment with a specialist in a week, but I am very worried, so I would appreciate some feedback. I am 30 years old, a passionate athlete, and I would like to be able to jog, cycle, swim, and maybe play tennis again after the procedure.

Here is the diagnosis:
1. In the medial meniscus, evidence of a basket-handle tear with intercondylar fragment dislocation. Original meniscus partially frayed at the margin and showing substance loss.
2. Minimal edematous changes in the bone marrow space at the medial edge of the tibial plateau.
3. Normal femorotibial cartilage lining.
4. Anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments intact, collateral ligaments intact. No focal signal alteration in the medial collateral ligament area.
5. Slight intra-articular joint fluid, no evidence of a Baker's cyst.
6. Intact peripatellar ligament and tendon structures. Retropatellar cartilage without focal abnormalities, femoral cartilage lining unremarkable.

I believe it is good news that no further cartilage structures are damaged.

Question: Is it possible to reattach the torn meniscus fragment? Does the whole meniscus need to be removed, or (as I understand it) just the torn part, with the edges smoothed out? Is that correct?

Thank you for the feedback, as I can hardly sleep peacefully and am very worried.

Dr. med. Kathrin Hamann

Good day,

Is this a knee MRI report?

I would recommend you to consult with an orthopedic specialist to further evaluate and treat the findings on-site. It may not always be necessary to suture a meniscus tear, as it can heal on its own depending on the size and length of the tear. However, this feathering may indicate a more significant injury and should be evaluated through arthroscopy.

Additionally, there is a small bone marrow edema of the tibial plateau. Strong forces act here, so you should avoid putting pressure on it, but should not completely refrain from movement. The key here is movement WITHOUT pressure. You need to protect the joint to allow it to heal, while also ensuring that the surrounding muscles and ligaments do not weaken.

Therefore, gymnastics is very important. Swimming is also good, but avoid jogging or cycling.

Even if it is not currently painful, the healing process will take more than 8 weeks.

Please have the function of your knee assessed by an orthopedic specialist and consider arthroscopic surgery if necessary.

Get well soon.

Best regards,

Dr. K. Hamann