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Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge
Bone & Joint Staff • October 21, 2019
What are the Different Types of Meniscus Tears?

Each joint in the human body is an intricate design, requiring a multitude of parts to work together seamlessly to provide smooth, pain-free movement. There are bones, tendons, ligaments and cartilage, precisely positioned and connected for optimal function. But, factors such as wear and tear, injury, and arthritis can threaten the health of joints for many, and the knee joint is among the most susceptible.


The Role of the Meniscus

The knee actually has not one, but two menisci, and both play integral roles in knee health. These wedge-shaped pieces of cartilage sit on either side of the joint, providing cushion between the shin and thighbones. When healthy, this cushion helps the knee to move painlessly. However, a torn meniscus can result in symptoms such as pain and instability in the joint, limiting a patient's capability for physical activity.


Types of Meniscus Tears

A torn meniscus can be acute or degenerative in nature. Acute tears generally occur due to outside force which causes the knee to bend or twist in an unnatural way. These types of tears occur in roughly 61 out of every 100,000 people. Degenerative tears, however, occur over time as the meniscus weakens and breaks down. These are most common in older adults, with about 60 percent of individuals over the age of 65 having some degree of meniscus tear.

Additionally, the specific type of meniscus tear can be further specified, based on its location (anterior horn, posterior horn, or body) and pattern. Recognized patterns of meniscus tears include:

  • Bucket-handle
  • Displaced bucket-handle
  • Radial
  • Horizontal
  • Longitudinal
  • Parrot beak
  • Displaced flap

In some instances, more than one pattern may be observed. These are known as complex tears.


Treating Meniscus Tears in Baton Rouge

When it comes to a torn meniscus, there are several potential treatment options. Factors such as the location, tear pattern, and severity of the tear will all need to be considered. As a patient, the best decision you can make is to select an orthopedic physician who is experienced and highly-skilled in the treatment of these types of injuries. The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge is home to many such physicians. To learn more about our doctors or to request an appointment, please click below.



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The Signs and Symptoms of a Torn Meniscus
By The Bone & Joint Clinic Staff February 11, 2025
Damage to the meniscus, which serves as a cushion between the thigh and shin bones, can cause severe pain and impair movement.
Understanding the Most Common Types of Arthritis and Managing It at Different Life Stages
By The Bone & Joint Clinic Staff January 31, 2025
While it is often associated with aging, arthritis can affect individuals at any stage of life. Understanding the different types of arthritis and how to manage them at various life stages is key to maintaining a high quality of life.
By Bone and Joint Clinic Staff January 30, 2025
BATON ROUGE, LA, January 30, 2025 – Effective April 1, 2025, four distinguished orthopedic surgeons from The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will transition to Baton Rouge Orthopedic Clinic (BROC), continuing their commitment to providing high-quality orthopedic care. The physicians joining BROC are: 1. Joseph "Jeb" Broyles, MD – Specializes in joint replacement surgery, knee arthroscopy, and cartilage regeneration. 2. Arthur "Art" Hess, MD – Specializes in trauma, hip, knee, and shoulder reconstruction, and total joint replacement surgery. 3. Mat hew "Matt" Mazoch, M D – Specializes in shoulder and knee surgery. 4. Alan Schroeder, MD – Specializes in sports medicine and shoulder surgery. Beginning April 1, 2025, these physicians will operate under BROC's umbrella while continuing to see patients at The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge's current location, 7301 Hennessy Blvd. Eventually, the doctors plan to transition to BROC's campus on Bluebonnet Blvd. The estimated timeline for that move is Summer/Fall 2025. In addition, Dr. Patrick Hall will be transitioning to his own practice, Hall Podiatry, that will continue to provide quality podiatric care to patients. Dr. Hall will continue to practice at 7301 Hennessy Blvd. until May/June 2025. After that date, patients may see him at a new nearby location. Dr. Zachary Rohr and Christopher Belleau will also transition their practice to a new location effective March 31, 2025. We will update our patients once those details are finalized. Dr. Gerard Murtagh of The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will be retiring effective March 2025. Dr. Murtagh has been a vital part of the clinic since 1988 and has significantly contributed to its success. We thank Dr. Murtagh for his many years of service to the patients of Bone & Joint Clinic. Patients are encouraged to continue scheduling appointments at The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge using the current process for the foreseeable future. To ensure a seamless transition, The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will provide detailed information to patients in the coming weeks, including the secure transfer of medical records and continuity of care. The health and well-being of patients remain the top priority, and The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge, BROC, and Hall Podiatry are working together to make this transition as smooth as possible while maintaining uninterrupted care. For more information or to schedule an appointment, patients can contact The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge at 225-766-0050 or by visiting bjcbr.com . Patients can also reach BROC at 225-924-2424 or by visiting brortho.com .
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