Meniscus Tear !
A meniscus tear is a tear of the C-shaped cartilage cushion between the thigh and shin bones; it causes knee pain, swelling and catching.
Updated 2026-10-23
Structures involved
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In histology
- Cartilage: hyaline, elastic, fibrocartilage
- Synovial joints: capsule, synovial membrane and articular cartilage
In the clinical exam
What it is
Tear of the C-shaped cartilage cushion between the femur and tibia.
Causes
- Twisting on a bent knee (common in sports)
- Degenerative wear with age
Symptoms and signs
- Pain along the joint line
- Swelling
- Catching, locking or giving way
Diagnosis
- Clinical
- Joint-line tenderness, McMurray and other special tests
- Imaging
- MRI shows the tear
Treatment
- Rehabilitation
- Rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory measures.
- Surgical
- Arthroscopic repair or partial meniscectomy.
Related conditions
Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.
Sources: Knee Meniscal Tears (StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf), 2024).
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.
