Meniscus Tear Overview

The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that stabilizes and cushions the knee. Two tough, rubbery menisci create a cushion between the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (shin bone). Meniscus tears are among the most common knee injuries and a torn meniscus may accompany a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or other knee injury.

A sudden or acute meniscus tear may occur during sports involving direct contact.

Degenerative meniscus tears occur as a person ages and the cartilage weakens and wears thin over time. An awkward twist can be enough to cause a meniscus tear among older people.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a meniscus tear include:

• A “popping” sensation
• Knee pain, especially when rotating the knee
• Stiffness or swelling
• Feeling the knee is catching or locking
• Limits in range of motion

Risk Factors

If you twist your knee, it may put you at risk of a meniscus tear. The risk factors include:

• Playing high-contact sports, such as football or lacrosse
• Knee cartilage deteriorates more as you age
• Tennis or basketball moves, which involve high torque pivoting of the knee