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[Conditions](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/) · [Knee](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/)

# 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

Tap one to see what it is and open it in 3D.

- [Medial meniscus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/medial-meniscus/)
- [Lateral meniscus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/lateral-meniscus/)

## In histology

- [Cartilage: hyaline, elastic, fibrocartilage](https://durgical.com/en/histology/cartilage-hyaline-elastic-fibrocartilage/)
- [Synovial joints: capsule, synovial membrane and articular cartilage](https://durgical.com/en/histology/synovial-joints-capsule-synovial-membrane-and-articular-cartilage/)

## In the clinical exam

- [Meniscal tests: McMurray and Apley](https://durgical.com/en/clinical-exam/meniscal-tests-mcmurray-and-apley/)

## What it is

Tear of the C-shaped cartilage cushion between the [femur](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/femur/) and [tibia](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/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

- [ACL Tear](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/acl-tear/)

Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.

Sources: [Knee Meniscal Tears](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431067/) (StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf), 2024).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/conditions/meniscus-tear/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/conditions/meniscus-tear/