Meniscal tears are common knee injuries involving disruption of the fibrocartilaginous menisci, which play a vital role in load distribution, shock absorption, and joint stability. Meniscal integrity is essential for normal knee biomechanics, and injury significantly alters joint mechanics, increasing stress on articular cartilage and accelerating degenerative change.

Meniscal tears may occur acutely following twisting injuries, particularly during sports, or develop gradually as degenerative tears in older individuals. Traumatic tears typically occur in younger patients and are often associated with ligament injuries, while degenerative tears are related to age-related tissue weakening and repetitive microtrauma.

Patients present with knee pain localized to the joint line, swelling, stiffness, and mechanical symptoms such as locking, catching, or clicking. Large or displaced tears may cause true mechanical locking, limiting knee extension and function. Symptoms often worsen with squatting, twisting, or prolonged activity.

Orthopaedic assessment includes joint line tenderness, range of motion evaluation, and specific meniscal provocation tests. MRI is the imaging modality of choice, providing detailed assessment of tear pattern, location, and associated pathology. Tear characteristics strongly influence treatment strategy.

Management depends on tear type, patient age, symptoms, and activity level. Small, stable tears may be managed conservatively. Symptomatic tears causing mechanical symptoms or functional limitation often require arthroscopic intervention. Preservation of meniscal tissue is a key principle to reduce long-term osteoarthritis risk.

Surgical options include meniscal repair or partial meniscectomy. Repair is preferred when feasible, particularly in vascular zones, to maintain meniscal function. Postoperative rehabilitation varies based on procedure type and tear characteristics.

Meniscal tears require individualized orthopaedic management to restore knee function and preserve long-term joint health.