A common knee injury that responds well to prolotherapy and platelet-rich plasma.
The menisci are C-shaped fibrocartilaginous structures that provide shock absorption and enhance joint stability in the knee. I like to think of these structures as the “brake pads” of the knee.
Meniscal injuries are the most common reason for arthroscopy of the knee. Injuries usually occur in people in their thirties and forties. After 50, meniscus tears are more often the result of degeneration than injury.
Traumatic tears are often caused by loading the knee at the same time it is rotating. Patients usually notice pain and swelling, sometimes accompanied by clicking or catching.
Meniscus tears are classified by the cause, and the MRI appearance, most of the time. When classified, the zone and orientation of the tear are described.
The outer portions of the meniscus have more vascularity, or blood flow. Whereas the inner portions have less blood flow. Tears can be horizontal, vertical, or oblique.
Large tears can cause displacement of the meniscus, flaps, or fragments.
The classification of the tear is useful in determining how likely the meniscus is to heal on its own or with regenerative therapies.
Tears in the outer periphery of the meniscus may heal spontaneously and become asymptomatic because there is blood supply in this portion of the adult meniscus.
Most patients should make every effort to repair the meniscus because those who undergo removal of the meniscus are at risk of early osteoarthritis. Most patients who have meniscus surgery have osteoarthritis within 10 years of follow up.
One way to improve the chance that the meniscus can heal on its own, is providing increased blood flow and growth factors to the area. This can be done using prolotherapy, platelet-rich-plasma, and bone marrow derived stem cells by delivering these factors directly into the joint, where the meniscus is located.
Using these therapies, we can use natural substances, or your own cells, to deliver growth factors, platelets, and initiate a process that can heal the meniscus.
McMahon, P. and Skinner, H., 2014. Current diagnosis & treatment in orthopedics.
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About Dr. Darrienne Slater
It is my passion to help patients find their unique homeostasis and lead them toward fostering a healthier and more supportive lifestyle that will help prevent continued injury and degeneration.
In clinical practice, I have been fortunate to specialize in the treatment of orthopedic conditions, focusing primarily on treating joint and spine conditions. Due to this speciality concentration, I have treated thousands of different orthopedic concerns over the years. Through continuing education opportunities, I am perpetually learning and enhancing my skills in areas of musculoskeletal ultrasound education, radiology, and orthopedics.
Each individual has their own story, and similarly, they have their own unique healing capacity and journey toward recovery. I love establishing meaningful relationships with my patients, getting to know their goals and history, and using this education and experience to help them heal.
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A common knee injury that responds well to prolotherapy and platelet-rich plasma. The menisci are C-shaped fibrocartilaginous structures that provide shock absorption and enhance joint stability in the knee. I like to think of these structures as the “brake pads”
