Meniscal Tears… Jeremy Lin versus the average Joe
As any Knick fan recognizes…
Jeremy Lin has been diagnosed with “chronic small” meniscus tear.
The press reports that surgery is pending (now over)… and Jeremy Lin feels hopeful for a full recovery.
What is the Meniscus:
Normal appearance of a meniscus, the "C" shaped disc between the two bones.
The meniscus is a cushion that sits between the end of the femur (thigh bone ) and the top of the tibia (shin bone).
This post goes into far more detail on the structure and function of a meniscus
What is a Meniscus Tear?
Meniscal tear with loose flap
A tear is simply that… the ring of cartilage we refer to as the meniscus tears. Sometimes they are small, and sometimes they are large.
Why do Meniscus Tears hurt?
The meniscus itself has no nerve fibers in it… so the pain you experience is usually from irritation of the surrounding structures in the knee.
Do all Meniscus Tears Require Surgery.
- Clearly the answer is no
- Tears are very very common, even in MRIs of normal individuals
- Treatment for a meniscus tear is based on the pain and its effect on your quality of life.
- Many meniscus tears do not require surgery and can be treated with therapy or observed.
Why is Jeremy Lin having surgery for a small chronic (old) tear?
Great question … research into professional athletes shows that if we obtain MRIs on NORMAL functioning pitchers, over 90% have something “wrong” on the MRI that would have led to surgery if they presented to a physicians office with complaints of pain with pain…. that means that many of us, professionals too, have abnormalities on MRIs as a consequence of aging or perhaps an old injury — and they many NOT be the source of pain.
Now, I have not treated, talked to or examined Mr Lin, so I can not comment whether or not surgery is necessary for him. Only he can be the judge of that!
What I can tell you is that we have succesfully managed many many patients with meniscus tears, without surgery and they have returned to a very active lifestyle.
The controversy continues…..
Recommended Reading:
Is surgery Necessary for Meniscus Tears
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