Taken from "The Treatment Room"
Torn Cartilage Knee Injury
A torn cartilage is a common knee injury in sport. As the knee joint bends the thigh bone moves on the top surface of the shin bone. Under certain circumstances, the meniscus (often referred to as cartilage) that provides a 'cushion' between the two bones can get nipped and torn.
In some cases, after the initial knee pain and swelling, the swollen knee joint settles down and normal activities can be resumed without knee surgery. However, in the case of a sporting individual, if the flap of torn cartilage causes knee locking or giving way, surgery is required. Knee surgery is usually done using arthroscopy, with as little meniscus tissue as possible removed, to minimise the risk of arthritis of the knee.
The following programme is that typically used by a professional football player who has undergone an arthroscopic meniscectomy.
If the medial meniscus (inner side compartment of the knee) has been operated on, the rehabilitation time is usually quicker than if the lateral meniscus (outer side compartment of the knee joint) has been operated on. In the case of an arthroscopic meniscal procedure involving the lateral meniscus the rehab will usually take 6 -8 weeks. In the case of the medial compartment it may be possible to return to sport after 3 or 4 weeks.
Ex-Rangers and Scotland player Ally McCoist once famously returned to playing in less than two weeks after arthroscopic meniscal surgery. The length of rehabilitation is dependent upon which meniscus is affected, exactly where the tear is, the size of the tear and the amount of meniscus which is removed by the surgeon.
Being World Cup year my fear is that Luis will push himself to get back asap, playing for Uruguay when not completely fit, something which could possibly lead to more problems further down the road
Sounds mad but I actually hope the injury is too serious for him to contemplate playing in the world cup but not serious enough to prevent him being fit for the start of next season.
I can't believe this yaya Toure story either... Doesn't he have like other ppl wishing him happy birthday??
