What is a meniscus tear in the knee?

Meniscus tears are common knee injuries.

Meniscus is a fibrous cartilage structure located in the knee joint. It plays an important role in increasing joint stability, distributing stress and reducing friction. Its unique shape and position help maintain normal knee movement and function. It is usually caused by strenuous exercise, trauma, such as sprains, impacts, etc. Patients may experience knee pain, swelling, rattling, stuttering, and limited mobility. Pain may increase with activity and decrease with rest. This depends on detailed history, physical examination, and imaging studies such as MRI. MRI can clearly show the shape and damage of the meniscus. For mild meniscal tears, conservative treatment may be initiated, including rest, ice, compression bandages, elevation of the affected limb, and medication. If the tear severely affects joint function or conservative treatment fails, surgical treatment may be required, such as meniscal repair or resection.