Meniscal Tear

The meniscus refers to two pieces of C-shaped cartilage located in the knee joint – one on the inside of the knee joint and one on the outside. The menisci act as shock absorbers between the major bones of the knee.  They are made of tough, rubbery cartilage that helps cushion and stabilize the knee joint.

Meniscal tears can occur during sports activities, especially contact sports if a player is twisting, cutting, pivoting, slowing down or being tackled. Sports-related meniscal tears may occur along with other knee injuries such as anterior cruciate ligament tears.

Older adults are more likely to have degenerative meniscal tears where the cartilage wears out over time.

Symptoms
 

If you have a meniscal tear, you may experience pain and swelling as the main symptoms. Patients also complain of a locking of the joint, limited motion and a popping or clicking within the knee.