Meniscus Tear

An acute meniscus tear occurs when sudden external or internal rotational forces are applied while the knee is in a flexed state. The medial meniscus is attached to the medial collateral ligament, making it vulnerable to valgus injury, while the lateral meniscus is more prone to tearing during rotational injury. Rupture types vary, including radial, bucket-handle, and horizontal types. In the case of a bucket-handle rupture, fragments become lodged within the joint, resulting in a locking sensation that makes full extension impossible. It also frequently occurs in conjunction with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. In Korean medicine, acute trauma is viewed as a primary cause of "bruised blood"—that is, stagnant, bad blood clots. If local circulation is blocked by strong external forces, stagnant blood accumulates within the joint, leading to severe swelling, heat sensation, and nocturnal pain. Simultaneously, if the liver's function of regulating muscles is compromised, tension in surrounding muscles and tendons remains unreleased, perpetuating a vicious cycle of pain. At Dongjedang, during the acute phase, acupuncture and pharmacopuncture are used to release stagnant blood and aid in the absorption of inflammatory exudates. From the subacute phase onwards, moxibustion is used to separate adhered tissues, laying the foundation for ligament recovery. This is combined with a process of restoring circulation using herbal medicine tailored to the patient's constitution.