The knee joint contains two C-shaped pieces of cartilage known as menisci, positioned between the thigh bone (femur) and the shin bone (tibia). These menisci function to absorb shock, distribute weight, and stabilize the knee. A meniscus tear occurs when one of these cartilages is damaged, often due to twisting or forceful movements.
Recognizing Symptoms
A meniscus tear often presents with distinct symptoms. Individuals commonly experience pain, ranging from a dull ache to a sharp, intense feeling, often localized along the joint line. Swelling around the knee is also frequent, developing gradually over several hours or a day after the injury.
Mechanical symptoms are also characteristic. These include a popping or clicking sound within the knee during movement. Stiffness may develop, making it difficult to fully bend or straighten the leg. A sensation of the knee catching or locking often accompanies more significant tears.
At-Home Indicators
While a definitive diagnosis requires professional assessment, several at-home observations can suggest a meniscus tear. Gently examine the knee for swelling, comparing it to the uninjured one. Tenderness along the joint line, on either the inner or outer side, may also be present.
A gentle, shallow squat can reveal pain, especially if the tear is in a weight-bearing area. Discomfort may also increase when attempting to fully straighten or bend the leg, as these movements stress the injured cartilage. Perform these observations without forcing movements that cause sharp pain. These indicators are not diagnostic but can help an individual decide when to seek professional medical advice.
Clinical Examination by a Doctor
A healthcare professional will conduct a thorough physical examination to assess for a meniscus tear. One common orthopedic test is the McMurray Test, where the doctor manipulates the knee by bending and rotating it while applying pressure. The presence of a click, pop, or pain during this maneuver can indicate a tear, particularly in the posterior horn of the meniscus.
The Apley’s Compression Test involves the patient lying on their stomach while the doctor bends the knee to a 90-degree angle and applies downward pressure while rotating the lower leg. Increased pain during this compression and rotation suggests a meniscal injury. Another test, the Thessaly Test, requires the patient to stand on one leg with the knee slightly bent, then rotate their body. Pain or a sense of locking during this rotational movement can also point towards a meniscus tear. These clinical tests help the doctor localize the potential injury and determine the need for further diagnostic steps.
Imaging and Confirmatory Tests
Following a clinical examination, medical imaging often confirms a meniscus tear. An X-ray is frequently performed first, primarily to rule out other knee issues like fractures or arthritis, as X-rays do not directly visualize soft tissues. Therefore, X-rays cannot confirm a meniscus tear.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is considered the most effective imaging modality for detecting meniscus tears. An MRI provides detailed images of soft tissues, allowing radiologists to identify the location, size, and type of tear within the meniscus. This non-invasive test helps determine the extent of the injury and guides treatment decisions. In some cases, arthroscopy, a minimally invasive surgical procedure, may be performed. During arthroscopy, a small camera is inserted into the knee joint, allowing the surgeon to directly visualize the meniscus, confirm the tear, and often repair it during the same procedure.