Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentRecoveryPreventionFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Recovery
Prevention
Frequently Asked Questions
A bucket handlemeniscustear is a serious knee injury in which themeniscus, a C-shaped wedge of cartilage in the knee joint, rips away from the back of the knee and flips forward like a bucket handle.
A bucket handle meniscus tear is one of the most seriouskinds of meniscus tears, common injuries that cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility. While more difficult to recover from than other types, a bucket handle meniscus tear can be treated successfully.
This article explains the symptoms of bucket handle meniscus tears, treatment options, and tips for preventing this type of injury.
Volker Schlichting / EyeEm / Getty Images
Symptoms of a Bucket Handle Tear
A bucket handle tear of the meniscus occurs on the outer portion of themeniscus cartilage, causing a vertical slice through the meniscus and resulting in symptoms similar to other types of meniscus tears.
These common symptoms include:
A bucket handle meniscus tear may be more likely to cause a locked knee joint than other types of tears.A locked knee occurs when the knee cannot fully straighten from a bent position. Because the bucket handle fragment of meniscus cartilage is displaced into the front of the joint, it prevents the knee from fully straightening.
That said, it is possible to still be able to walk when you have a bucket handle meniscus tear.
Locked Knee
Bucket handle meniscus tears are often associated with an anterior cruciate ligament injury (ACL tear).In this common sports injury, one of the major knee ligaments is damaged, and at the same time, the bucket handle meniscus tear occurs. If you suffer an ACL tear, your healthcare provider should also check the meniscus.
Treatment Options
The usual treatment for a bucket handle meniscus tear is surgery, but less aggressive options are possible including medication.
Surgical Treatment
This type of injury is not considered a medical emergency, butarthroscopic knee surgeryis usually performed as soon as possible so that the knee can bend and straighten normally. There are two options for repairing a bucket handle meniscus tear:
Non-Surgical Treatments
In rare instances, a bucket handle meniscus tear might heal on its own.Some healthcare providers may recommend ice, a nonsteroid anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID), and rest to see if an injury will heal.
For another non-invasive treatment, some healthcare providers may try platelet rich plasma (PPP) therapy. This therapy involves taking platelet cells taken from your blood and injecting them into the injured area. These platelets have growth factors that can help the meniscus heal. Some research has shown that PPP therapy can facilitate healing and improve function.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitationis an essential part of a successful recovery. A physical therapist will craft a plan specific to your needs that will center around exercises to restore strength, balance, and range of motion in the knee joint.
Bucket Handle Meniscus Tear Rehab Exercises
Bucket Handle Meniscus Tear Recovery Time
The total time it takes to recover from a bucket handle meniscus tear depends on a number of factors, including the treatment chosen, adherence to recommended physical therapy, and whether or not there are anycomplicationsof surgery.
Generally speaking:
To protect your knees, healthcare providers recommend keeping other muscles strong. This includes building up:
Easing into new activities and “listening” to your body can also help you avoid injuries. Wearing a knee brace may help, but the research on its benefits is not conclusive.
Summary
A bucket handle meniscus tear is a serious injury that results in the meniscus tearing and flipping in the joint. It can be extremely painful and cause knee locking. However, it is treatable. Surgery is often necessary, but your healthcare provider may recommend less invasive measures. Maintaining good overall muscle strength and being cautious about engaging in sports activities can help you avoid these injuries altogether.
Frequently Asked QuestionsYou have two menisci in each knee, so four total. The ones on the inner sides of your knee are called the medial menisci. The ones on the outer sides are called lateral menisci.The meniscus helps distribute force across the knee joint. It is important in cushioning and protecting the cartilage of the knee.
You have two menisci in each knee, so four total. The ones on the inner sides of your knee are called the medial menisci. The ones on the outer sides are called lateral menisci.
The meniscus helps distribute force across the knee joint. It is important in cushioning and protecting the cartilage of the knee.
9 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Bhan K.Meniscal tears: Current understanding, diagnosis, and management.Cureus. 2020;12(6). doi:10.7759%2Fcureus.8590Hussin P, Mawardi M, Nizlan NM.The ‘chalky culprit’ of acute locked knee.G Chir. 2014;35(9-10):239-40.Wright J, Tamura C, Findlay I, Daneshfar A.Simultaneous bicompartmental bucket handle meniscal tears with a clinically competent Anterior Cruciate Ligament.J Orthop Surg Res. 2010;5:68. doi:10.1186/1749-799X-5-68Frizziero A, Ferrari R, Giannotti E, Ferroni C, Poli P, Masiero S.The meniscus tear: State of the art of rehabilitation protocols related to surgical procedures.Muscles Ligaments Tendons J. 2012;2(4):295-301.Yoon KH, Park KH.Meniscal repair.Knee Surg Relat Res. 2014;26(2):68-76. doi:10.5792/ksrr.2014.26.2.68Han JH, Song JG, Kwon JH, Kang KW, Shah D, Nha KW.Spontaneous healing of a displaced bucket-handle tear of the lateral meniscus in a child.Knee Surg Relat Res. 2015;27(1):65-67. doi:10.5792%2Fksrr.2015.27.1.65Kaminski R, Kulinski K, Kozar-Kaminska K, et al.A prospective, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study evaluating meniscal healing, clinical outcomes, and safety in patients undergoing meniscal repair of unstable, complete vertical meniscal tears (Bucket handle) augmented with platelet-rich plasma.BioMed Research International. 2018;2018:1-9. doi:10.1155/2018/9315815Encinas-ullán CA, Rodríguez-merchán EC.Arthroscopic treatment of total knee arthroplasty complications.EFORT Open Rev. 2019;4(2):33-43. doi:10.1302/2058-5241.4.180035Cedar Sinai.Meniscus Tears: FAQ.Additional ReadingLuks HJ, MD.Bucket handle meniscus tear.
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Bhan K.Meniscal tears: Current understanding, diagnosis, and management.Cureus. 2020;12(6). doi:10.7759%2Fcureus.8590Hussin P, Mawardi M, Nizlan NM.The ‘chalky culprit’ of acute locked knee.G Chir. 2014;35(9-10):239-40.Wright J, Tamura C, Findlay I, Daneshfar A.Simultaneous bicompartmental bucket handle meniscal tears with a clinically competent Anterior Cruciate Ligament.J Orthop Surg Res. 2010;5:68. doi:10.1186/1749-799X-5-68Frizziero A, Ferrari R, Giannotti E, Ferroni C, Poli P, Masiero S.The meniscus tear: State of the art of rehabilitation protocols related to surgical procedures.Muscles Ligaments Tendons J. 2012;2(4):295-301.Yoon KH, Park KH.Meniscal repair.Knee Surg Relat Res. 2014;26(2):68-76. doi:10.5792/ksrr.2014.26.2.68Han JH, Song JG, Kwon JH, Kang KW, Shah D, Nha KW.Spontaneous healing of a displaced bucket-handle tear of the lateral meniscus in a child.Knee Surg Relat Res. 2015;27(1):65-67. doi:10.5792%2Fksrr.2015.27.1.65Kaminski R, Kulinski K, Kozar-Kaminska K, et al.A prospective, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study evaluating meniscal healing, clinical outcomes, and safety in patients undergoing meniscal repair of unstable, complete vertical meniscal tears (Bucket handle) augmented with platelet-rich plasma.BioMed Research International. 2018;2018:1-9. doi:10.1155/2018/9315815Encinas-ullán CA, Rodríguez-merchán EC.Arthroscopic treatment of total knee arthroplasty complications.EFORT Open Rev. 2019;4(2):33-43. doi:10.1302/2058-5241.4.180035Cedar Sinai.Meniscus Tears: FAQ.Additional ReadingLuks HJ, MD.Bucket handle meniscus tear.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Bhan K.Meniscal tears: Current understanding, diagnosis, and management.Cureus. 2020;12(6). doi:10.7759%2Fcureus.8590Hussin P, Mawardi M, Nizlan NM.The ‘chalky culprit’ of acute locked knee.G Chir. 2014;35(9-10):239-40.Wright J, Tamura C, Findlay I, Daneshfar A.Simultaneous bicompartmental bucket handle meniscal tears with a clinically competent Anterior Cruciate Ligament.J Orthop Surg Res. 2010;5:68. doi:10.1186/1749-799X-5-68Frizziero A, Ferrari R, Giannotti E, Ferroni C, Poli P, Masiero S.The meniscus tear: State of the art of rehabilitation protocols related to surgical procedures.Muscles Ligaments Tendons J. 2012;2(4):295-301.Yoon KH, Park KH.Meniscal repair.Knee Surg Relat Res. 2014;26(2):68-76. doi:10.5792/ksrr.2014.26.2.68Han JH, Song JG, Kwon JH, Kang KW, Shah D, Nha KW.Spontaneous healing of a displaced bucket-handle tear of the lateral meniscus in a child.Knee Surg Relat Res. 2015;27(1):65-67. doi:10.5792%2Fksrr.2015.27.1.65Kaminski R, Kulinski K, Kozar-Kaminska K, et al.A prospective, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study evaluating meniscal healing, clinical outcomes, and safety in patients undergoing meniscal repair of unstable, complete vertical meniscal tears (Bucket handle) augmented with platelet-rich plasma.BioMed Research International. 2018;2018:1-9. doi:10.1155/2018/9315815Encinas-ullán CA, Rodríguez-merchán EC.Arthroscopic treatment of total knee arthroplasty complications.EFORT Open Rev. 2019;4(2):33-43. doi:10.1302/2058-5241.4.180035Cedar Sinai.Meniscus Tears: FAQ.
Bhan K.Meniscal tears: Current understanding, diagnosis, and management.Cureus. 2020;12(6). doi:10.7759%2Fcureus.8590
Hussin P, Mawardi M, Nizlan NM.The ‘chalky culprit’ of acute locked knee.G Chir. 2014;35(9-10):239-40.
Wright J, Tamura C, Findlay I, Daneshfar A.Simultaneous bicompartmental bucket handle meniscal tears with a clinically competent Anterior Cruciate Ligament.J Orthop Surg Res. 2010;5:68. doi:10.1186/1749-799X-5-68
Frizziero A, Ferrari R, Giannotti E, Ferroni C, Poli P, Masiero S.The meniscus tear: State of the art of rehabilitation protocols related to surgical procedures.Muscles Ligaments Tendons J. 2012;2(4):295-301.
Yoon KH, Park KH.Meniscal repair.Knee Surg Relat Res. 2014;26(2):68-76. doi:10.5792/ksrr.2014.26.2.68
Han JH, Song JG, Kwon JH, Kang KW, Shah D, Nha KW.Spontaneous healing of a displaced bucket-handle tear of the lateral meniscus in a child.Knee Surg Relat Res. 2015;27(1):65-67. doi:10.5792%2Fksrr.2015.27.1.65
Kaminski R, Kulinski K, Kozar-Kaminska K, et al.A prospective, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study evaluating meniscal healing, clinical outcomes, and safety in patients undergoing meniscal repair of unstable, complete vertical meniscal tears (Bucket handle) augmented with platelet-rich plasma.BioMed Research International. 2018;2018:1-9. doi:10.1155/2018/9315815
Encinas-ullán CA, Rodríguez-merchán EC.Arthroscopic treatment of total knee arthroplasty complications.EFORT Open Rev. 2019;4(2):33-43. doi:10.1302/2058-5241.4.180035
Cedar Sinai.Meniscus Tears: FAQ.
Luks HJ, MD.Bucket handle meniscus tear.
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