IND vs NZ: Meniscal Root Tear Keeps Ben Sears On The Sidelines
The list of injuries keeps on increasing for New Zealand as they prepare to take on India in their much-awaited test match series starting in Bengaluru from Wednesday. However nothing could prepare them for the latest injury – fast bowler Ben Sears‘ left knee, which has ruled him out of the entire series, thereby badly denting the team’s preparations going into the series opener. Meniscal Root Tear Rules Sears Out Sears impressed during New Zealand’s recent home summer and came on to feel pain in his left knee as he trained in Sri Lanka during their Test series. After scanning back in New Zealand, his meniscus was torn, and although there had been hope he might be reprieved through medical clearance ahead of the tour, the final decision to rule him out was made after further consultation. What Is A Meniscus Tear? The most prevalent sports injury causing twisting or pivoting, such as in cricket or football and even in basketball, results from what is considered a meniscus tear. A C-shaped cartilage in the knee joint that cushions the movement between the femur, or thigh bone and the tibia or shin bone, the meniscus is part of every knee and two: medial or inner and lateral or outer. These structures are important in stabilizing the knee, allowing an even distribution of weight placed upon it and preventing excessive wear on the joint. A meniscus tear is often seen following a traumatic injury or sports activity in which the knee undergoes sudden twisting or over-rotation or from secondary degeneration. Patients typically experience pain, swelling and limited motion with sometimes a sensation of locking. How Grave Can Meniscal Root Tears Be? Meniscus tears may be minor and the severity of the tear determines which treatments should be used. In more minor tears, the treatment usually taken is conservative. This involves rest, application of ice packs to reduce inflammation, compression and physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the knee region. Ibuprofen, which is non-steroidal in nature and used for common problems like toothaches, is also sometimes used to address pain and discomfort in patients with meniscus tears. Rehabilitation consisted of exercises to restore the range of motion, strength and stability of the knee joint. However, the degree of the injury would determine if it was severe enough to require surgical intervention, as is the case with meniscal root tear or complex tears. Meniscal root repair is a surgical intervention targeted at the restoration of attachment of the meniscus to the bone to restore the rehabilitation of the knee’s biodynamics and avoid late damages. This suits the younger athlete or those interested in returning to high levels of athletic activity. How Can Ben Sears Deal With Meniscal Root Tear? For New Zealand’s Ben Sears, the latest diagnosis of meniscus tear caused by a knee injury has come as a crushing blow, especially considering competitive sport. Recovery and rehabilitation from this occasion would be his major agenda where he has been forced out from the India series. The early treatment for Sears is probably to rest and let the inflammation and swelling decrease, using ice and compression to alleviate pain. Physical therapy, of course being important for a professional sportsman, will be a vital part of the rehabilitation process, so that the knee strength and mobility can return, and stability achieved in muscles such as the quadriceps, hamstrings and calves to prepare him for a possible return back into play. Treatment For Meniscus Tears If the conservative treatment fails, Sears may need to undergo surgical operations that may include a partial meniscectomy or a meniscal root repair, which may allow him to recover fully to fully regain full knee function. After the surgery, weeks or months of directed therapy would be applied, gradually progressing to return him to active play to be monitored by the medical team. In sports, the knees bear high stress levels, therefore proper recovery should be achieved before a repeat injury can be avoided. The Sears rehab program would be to ensure proper knee mechanics so that he would not cause more stress and will be safe to go back to bowling. Proper treatment and rehab would enable Sears to get himself fully recovered and return to cricket without putting in danger his long-term athletic career. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
