What are the symptoms of Meniscus Tear?

Common symptoms include: Pain along the joint line (medial or lateral depending on which meniscus is affected); Swelling that may develop over hours to days after injury; Catching or locking sensation in the knee; Difficulty fully straightening or bending the knee; Feeling of knee instability or giving way.

How is Meniscus Tear diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves: Medical history focusing on mechanism of injury and symptoms; Physical examination including McMurray test, Thessaly test, and joint line tenderness assessment; Evaluation of range of motion and mechanical symptoms; MRI is the preferred imaging modality for visualizing meniscal tears and characterizing tear pattern.

Meniscus Tear

Also known as: Torn meniscus, Meniscal tear, Knee cartilage tear, Medial meniscus tear, Lateral meniscus tear

Last updated: December 18, 2024

A meniscus tear is damage to one of the two C-shaped cartilage pads in the knee that cushion the joint between the femur and tibia. It may occur after an acute pivoting or twisting injury or develop from degenerative changes over time. Common signs include pain along the joint line, swelling that can appear over hours to days, and a catching or locking sensation. Many tears may improve with conservative treatment.

Key Facts

•A meniscus tear is damage to one of the two C-shaped cartilage pads (menisci) that cushion the knee joint between the femur and tibia
•Pain along the joint line (medial or lateral depending on which meniscus is affected)
•Diagnosed through history, physical exam, and imaging
•First-line treatment includes exercise, weight management, and activity modification

What It Is

A meniscus tear is damage to one of the two C-shaped cartilage pads (menisci) that cushion the knee joint between the femur and tibia. Tears may result from acute injury during pivoting or twisting movements, or from degenerative changes over time. The injury can cause pain, swelling, and mechanical symptoms such as locking or catching.

Affected Anatomy

This condition affects several structures in and around the joint:

•Medial meniscus (inner side of knee, more commonly torn)
•Lateral meniscus (outer side of knee)
•Tibiofemoral joint surfaces
•Knee joint capsule and synovium
•Adjacent ligaments may also be injured
•Articular cartilage of the knee

Common Symptoms

Symptoms can vary in intensity and may change over time. Common experiences include:

•Pain along the joint line (medial or lateral depending on which meniscus is affected)
•Swelling that may develop over hours to days after injury
•Catching or locking sensation in the knee
•Difficulty fully straightening or bending the knee
•Feeling of knee instability or giving way
•Popping sensation at time of injury in some cases
•Pain with squatting, twisting, or pivoting movements
•Stiffness, particularly after prolonged sitting

Causes and Risk Factors

Multiple factors can contribute to the development of this condition:

Causes

•Acute twisting or pivoting injury while the foot is planted
•Deep squatting or hyperflexion of the knee
•Sudden forceful impact or trauma to the knee
•Degenerative changes with aging leading to weakened meniscal tissue
•Minor trauma in the setting of pre-existing degeneration
•Repetitive stress or overuse in some cases

Risk Factors

•Participation in sports involving pivoting, cutting, or sudden direction changes
•Increasing age, as meniscal tissue becomes more fragile with degeneration
•Previous knee injury or surgery
•Knee osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease
•Obesity, which increases mechanical stress on the knee
•Occupations requiring frequent squatting or kneeling
•Concurrent ACL injury (associated injuries common)

How It's Diagnosed

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical assessment and imaging studies:

•Medical history focusing on mechanism of injury and symptoms
•Physical examination including McMurray test, Thessaly test, and joint line tenderness assessment
•Evaluation of range of motion and mechanical symptoms
•MRI is the preferred imaging modality for visualizing meniscal tears and characterizing tear pattern
•X-rays may be obtained to assess for arthritis or other bony abnormalities
•Clinical correlation between examination findings and imaging is important

Treatment Options

Treatment approaches range from conservative measures to surgical interventions, often starting with the least invasive options:

Self-Care and Activity Modification

•Initial management with rest, ice, compression, and elevation
•Activity modification to avoid aggravating movements
•Non-operative management may be appropriate for stable, degenerative tears or small peripheral tears
•Meniscus repair may be attempted for certain tear patterns in vascular zones, particularly in younger patients

Physical Therapy and Exercise

•Physical therapy to restore strength, range of motion, and function

Medications

•Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain and inflammation

Surgery

•Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (removal of torn portion) may be considered for symptomatic tears not responding to conservative treatment
•Rehabilitation following surgery to restore function and prevent complications

Prognosis and Recovery

The course of this condition varies between individuals:

•Many meniscus tears, particularly degenerative tears, may improve with conservative treatment
•Outcomes after arthroscopic treatment vary depending on tear type, patient age, and presence of arthritis
•Meniscus repair, when successful, may have favorable long-term outcomes compared to meniscectomy
•Loss of meniscal tissue may increase risk of osteoarthritis development over time
•Return to activity varies based on treatment approach and individual factors

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tear(Condition)
Knee Osteoarthritis(Condition)
ACL Reconstruction(Procedure)

Frequently Asked Questions

Treatment options range from conservative measures to surgical interventions, including: Initial management with rest, ice, compression, and elevation; Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain and inflammation; Physical therapy to restore strength, range of motion, and function; Activity modification to avoid aggravating movements; Non-operative management may be appropriate for stable, degenerative tears or small peripheral tears.