Meniscus tears

The two menisci are C-shaped pads of cartilage between the thigh bone and shin bone. They spread load, absorb shock and help stabilise the knee. A meniscus can tear suddenly during a twisting injury or gradually as the tissue becomes less resilient with age.

Symptoms may include pain along the inner or outer joint line, swelling, clicking, catching or locking. Treatment depends on the tear pattern, location, symptoms and age of the patient. Some tears can be repaired; others are treated by trimming only the damaged portion. Many degenerative tears are initially managed without surgery.