Meniscal Injuries Specialist
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Orthopaedic Surgical Associates, LLC
Jimmy M Tamai, MD
Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon located in Fairbanks, AK
If you’re physically active or play sports, you’re also more likely to suffer a meniscal injury. At Orthopaedic Surgical Associates, LLC in Fairbanks, Alaska, board-certified orthopedic surgeon Jimmy Tamai, MD, regularly works with people of all ages to diagnose, treat, and relieve meniscal injuries. If you’re experiencing knee pain that won’t go away, schedule an appointment today by calling the office or clicking the online booking tool.
Meniscal Injuries Q & A
What are meniscal injuries?
Meniscal injuries are some of the leading causes of knee-related health problems. Sometimes, they’re a result of trauma, but a significant impact or fall isn’t necessary. You might also suffer a meniscal injury while squatting, jumping, or twisting your knee.
No matter the underlying cause of your meniscal injury, it’s important to seek professional medical help. Without proper treatment, a meniscal injury can negatively affect your mobility or quality of life.
Are there different types of meniscal injuries?
There are several types of meniscal injuries. Dr. Tamai regularly diagnoses and treats:
- Longitudinal tears
- Radial tears
- Oblique flap tears
- Horizontal tears
- Root tears
It’s also possible to suffer meniscal damage that features a combination of two or more types of a meniscal tear.
What are the symptoms of meniscal injuries?
The symptoms of meniscal injuries vary from person to person and depend on the underlying cause of your discomfort. Telltale signs of a meniscal injury include:
- A popping sensation
- Knee swelling
- Knee stiffness
- Difficulty straightening your knee
- The feeling of a “locked” knee joint
Depending on the location of your meniscus injury, you might also experience knee weakness or your knee giving way.
How are meniscal injuries diagnosed?
To diagnose a meniscus injury, Dr. Tamai conducts a physical exam and asks you about your symptoms. He also moves your knee and leg into various positions and asks you to perform a series of exercises, such as squatting and walking.
If these measures don’t provide enough information, Dr. Tamai might also order a diagnostic ultrasound or an X-ray to rule out other potential problems.
How are meniscal injuries treated?
Dr. Tamai usually recommends conservative, noninvasive treatments to ease pain and discomfort caused by meniscal injuries. Depending on your symptoms, he might recommend physical therapy or regenerative medicine with biologic injections.
If your pain persists or gets worse, surgical intervention may be necessary. Dr. Tamai regularly performs arthroscopic surgery, a minimally invasive procedure that uses smaller incisions than traditional open surgery. Arthroscopic surgery also boasts quicker recovery times.
Don’t let a meniscal injury prevent you from participating in your favorite activities. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Tamai at Orthopaedic Surgical Associates, LLC, by calling the office or booking online today.
