What is a Degenerative Tear Vs an Acute Tear?

3 Differences Between a Degenerative Tear and an Acute Tear

When it comes to knee injuries, understanding the difference between a degenerative tear and an acute tear is important for treatment and therapies. At Chambers Medical Group, one of the highest rated car accident medical care facilities in Kentucky, we deal with patients who have been injured in motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) and it can be common to see both types of tears in the knees. Both types involve damage to the knee’s soft tissues, such as the meniscus or ligaments, but they have different causes, symptoms, and treatment approaches. I am Dr. Aaron Workman of Chambers Medical Group and I will explain 3 key differences between a degenerative tear and an acute tear.

1. Cause of Injury

Degenerative Tear:

A degenerative tear occurs gradually over time due to wear and tear. It is often associated with aging and the repetitive stress that the knee undergoes daily. Conditions like osteoarthritis contribute to the gradual weakening of the knee’s tissues, which can lead to a degenerative tear.

Acute Tear:

An acute tear happens suddenly due to a specific injury or trauma. In a MVA this could be due to the feet bracing on the floor panel at moment of collision with the impact forces transitioning throughout the knees. These types of tears can also come from sports injuries, slips and falls. Acute tears are common in athletes and can occur from abrupt movements or direct blows to the knee.

2. Onset of Symptoms

Degenerative Tear: Symptoms of a degenerative tear develop slowly over time. Individuals may experience mild to moderate pain that gradually worsens. Stiffness, swelling, and a limited range of motion are common, but these symptoms are typically intermittent, and can progress in pain level as the condition progresses.

Acute Tear: Symptoms of an acute tear appear immediately following the injury. There is usually sudden, severe pain accompanied by swelling and a noticeable decrease in the knee’s range of motion. The individual may also hear a popping sound at the time of the injury and feel immediate instability in the knee.

3. Treatment Approaches

Degenerative Tear: Treatment for a degenerative tear often involves conservative modalities like therapeutic exercises, passive therapies, anti-inflammatory medications, along with lifestyle modifications to reduce stress on the knee. A patient may benefit from giving the knees support with various braces to find what works best. Surgery is a last resort approach.

Acute Tear: This usually requires more immediate intervention. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation are often recommended at the beginning. Depending on the severity of the tear, surgical repair may be necessary for proper knee function. It is important to have your injuries thoroughly examined so any necessary orthopedic referrals can be made. Rehab will be important following surgery to gain your strength, range of motion and stability.

Understanding the difference between a degenerative tear and an acute tear is essential for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. One unique caveat can be the degenerative tear that is worsened by an acute trauma such as the MVA. This can make the pain worse and require more aggressive treatment or referrals. The first step is getting the knees examined. If you have found your knees in pain following an MVA, Chambers Medical Group can help.

— This article is written by Aaron Workman, DC, one of the members of Chambers Medical Group’s team of car accident chiropractors who offer a variety of treatments and therapies ranging from diagnostic testing to various soft tissue therapies for car accidents and injuries in Kentucky.

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