Meniscus Injuries in Volleyball Players

Due to repetitive jumping in the sport of volleyball it is easy to completely wear down the knee over time. Considering that the knee has multiple bones, ligaments, bursae, muscles and meniscus it is hard to argue the amount of stability that is provided for the knee. Dependent on the body type of the athlete and possible genetic abnormalities, every knee is more or less susceptible for injury.

The menisci of the knee are considered to be “shock absorbers” or cushions between the distal end of the femur and the proximal end of the tibia.1 Menisci are made of cartilage material and they sit between the two bones to provide a smooth, fluid movement as the knee goes through its full range of motion on a daily basis. In each knee there are two menisci, one on the medial side and one on the lateral side.1 Due to improper landing mechanics when jumping or cutting the wrong way while running or stopping, the menisci are vulnerable to damage or tearing.1

The most common way of tearing the meniscus is by twisting or turning the upper leg while the lower leg and foot are still firmly planted on the ground; this allows the femur to get caught on the meniscus to create a partial or full tear while the knee is momentarily “out of alignment.”1 The most common signs and symptoms pertaining to meniscus tears are swelling, clicking, popping, locking of the knee, and severe pain through the range of motion where the femur catches onto the tear.1

In volleyball players this is likely to be seen if a player comes down from a missed block, feet planted on the ground but twists her knee to go chase after the ball. In one study it showed that meniscal tears make up about 15% of indoor volleyball injuries.2 The offensive players in volleyball are more likely to sustain a meniscus injury by the excessive jumping while spiking, blocking, serving, and overall agility that is needed to get back and forth right by the net.

In summary, meniscus injuries are not that easy to deal with but they are manageable. Whether it requires surgery or not, you have to be prepared to deal with the pain that can come at the turn of a dime.

References:

1. Quinn, E. (n.d.). What Is a Meniscus Tear? Causes and Treatment. Retrieved September 20, 2015.
2. Injury Statistics. (n.d.). Retrieved September 20, 2015.