In plain language
Avulsion of a meniscal bony attachment or an adjacent radial tear, disrupting hoop-load transmission and potentially causing extrusion and elevated contact pressure.
Clinical Significance & Management
Medial posterior tears often have a degenerative background; lateral tears may accompany ACL injury. Symptoms, cartilage, arthritis, alignment and rehabilitation capacity guide treatment. Preserved joints may suit repair; marked varus or advanced wear may require alternatives.
Symptoms & Clinical Presentation
Medial/posterior weight-bearing or squat pain
A pop, effusion or reduced function; presentations vary
Etiology & Injury Mechanisms
- Deep-flexion loading and degeneration
- Twisting trauma, sometimes with cruciate injury
Diagnostics & Imaging Guide
MRI for root, extrusion and cartilage plus examination
Standing radiographs for wear; long-leg alignment imaging when needed
Treatment Options
Selected load management, strengthening and pain relief
Root fixation, alignment correction or arthritis treatment as appropriate
Rehabilitation Milestones & Timeline
Rehabilitation depends on the diagnosis, procedure and associated injuries. Progression requires assessment of healing, symptoms and function; elapsed time or a single test cannot determine readiness for sport.
Protect
After repair limit loading and deep flexion by protocol
Recover
Restore gait, motion and quadriceps control
Sport
Combine healing, effusion, strength and function rather than weeks alone
Evidence-Based Clarifications
Age or MRI alone cannot decide surgery. Repair does not guarantee prevention of arthritis, and asymptomatic cases remain debated.
Sources & References
International Delphi Consensus on Medial Meniscal Root Tears (2025)
Arthroscopy
Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Lateral Meniscal Lesions (2022)
Chinese Society of Sports Medicine / Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine
Educational clinical definitions synthesized from AAOS, Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, and HSS. Individual diagnosis and surgery require professional medical evaluation.
Publication date
Content updated