Sports Medicine
Meniscus Tears
The menisci are two C-shaped pieces of cartilage that act as shock absorbers between the thighbone and shinbone. A meniscus tear is one of the most common knee injuries — from sport, a sudden twist, or age-related wear.
Types of Tear
Treatment Depends on the Tear
Treatment depends on the type, size, and location of the tear, as well as your age and activity level. Some tears heal with rest; others require surgery.
- Radial — cut across the meniscus, often in the avascular (white) zone with poor healing potential.
- Horizontal — splits the meniscus into upper and lower portions.
- Bucket-handle — a large tear where a portion flips into the joint, causing locking.
- Flap & complex — a folded piece that catches, or multiple patterns (often degenerative).
Symptoms
How a Meniscus Tear Feels
- Pain — along the joint line, especially when twisting or squatting.
- Swelling — often within 24 to 48 hours of injury.
- Locking or catching — the knee may lock if a torn fragment gets caught.
- Giving way — the knee may feel unstable or buckle.
- Stiffness — difficulty fully bending or straightening, sometimes with a pop at the time of injury.
Causes
Why the Meniscus Tears
- Acute injury — twisting the knee while the foot is planted; common in sport with sudden direction changes.
- Degenerative tear — age-related wear makes the meniscus brittle; a minor twist, or even standing up, can cause a tear in older adults.
- Combined injuries — meniscus tears often occur alongside ACL injuries.
Diagnosis
How a Meniscus Tear Is Diagnosed
01
Physical Examination
The McMurray test, joint-line tenderness, and assessment of swelling and range of motion.
02
MRI
Confirms the diagnosis, shows the tear pattern and location, and identifies other injuries.
03
X-ray
Does not show the meniscus but rules out arthritis and fractures.
Treatment · Step One
Non-Surgical Treatment
Many meniscus tears — especially small, stable tears in older patients — can be treated without surgery.
- RICE — Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation.
- Medications — anti-inflammatories for pain and swelling.
- Physiotherapy — strengthening the quadriceps and hamstrings, improving flexibility and stability.
- Injections — corticosteroids may reduce pain and inflammation in degenerative tears.
Treatment · When Needed
Surgical Treatment
Surgery is considered for tears that cause locking, tears in active patients who need full function, or tears that do not improve with conservative care.
- Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy — removal of the torn portion. Quick recovery (return to sport in 4 to 6 weeks) but removes shock-absorbing tissue.
- Meniscus repair — stitching the tear together. Longer recovery (3 to 6 months of protected activity) but preserves the meniscus; only possible for certain tears in the vascular zone.
Red Flags
Seek Emergency Care
See a doctor if:
- The knee locks and you cannot straighten it
- Significant swelling develops within hours
- You cannot bear weight on the leg
- Symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks of rest
Related
Related Sports Injuries
ACL & Ligament Injuries
Knee instability from ACL tears, which often occur with a meniscus injury.
Tendon Injuries
Rotator cuff and Achilles tendon problems from overuse or sudden force.
Sports Medicine Hub
An overview of sports injury care — diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.