Bucket-handle tear of medial meniscus, current injury, left knee Save
ICD-10 code: S83.212
Chapter: Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes
What is a Bucket-Handle Tear of the Medial Meniscus?
A bucket-handle tear of the medial meniscus is a common injury that affects the knee joint. This type of tear is characterized by a large tear in the meniscus, which is a piece of cartilage that helps cushion and stabilize the knee joint. The term "bucket-handle" refers to the way the torn piece of meniscus flips over, resembling the handle of a bucket.
Causes of a Bucket-Handle Tear
Bucket-handle tears of the medial meniscus are often caused by a sudden twisting motion of the knee joint, such as during sports or other physical activities. They can also occur as a result of degeneration of the meniscus over time or as a result of aging.
Symptoms of a Bucket-Handle Tear
The most common symptom of a bucket-handle tear of the medial meniscus is pain in the knee joint, along with swelling and stiffness. Other symptoms may include a popping or clicking sensation when the knee is moved, as well as difficulty bending or straightening the knee.
Treatment for a Bucket-Handle Tear
If you suspect that you have a bucket-handle tear of the medial meniscus, it's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Treatment for this type of injury typically involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation to reduce swelling and pain. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the torn meniscus.
- Rest: Avoid putting weight on the affected leg and limit your physical activity to allow the knee to heal.
- Ice: Apply an ice pack to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day to reduce swelling and pain.
- Compression: Use a compression bandage to help reduce swelling and provide support to the knee joint.
- Elevation: Elevate the affected leg above heart level to help reduce swelling and pain.
If conservative treatments are not effective, your doctor may recommend surgery to repair the torn meniscus. This may involve a minimally invasive procedure known as arthroscopy, which uses small incisions and a camera to repair the tear.
Preventing Bucket-Handle Tears
To help prevent bucket-handle tears of the medial meniscus, it's important to maintain strong muscles in the legs and avoid sudden twisting motions of the knee joint. It's also important to wear appropriate footwear and protective gear when participating in sports or other physical activities.