Do meniscal tears occur only in athletes?

AI-generated illustration. This is not a real patient or a diagnostic image.

A meniscal tear may bring football or a sudden twist to mind. However, tissue can change over time, particularly in middle and older age, and a tear can develop without an obvious sporting injury.

Why do tears not always mean the same thing?

A traumatic tear in a young person differs from degenerative changes developing over time. Tear pattern, joint osteoarthritis and the source of pain need to be considered together. Some people have meniscal MRI findings without any pain.

Not every report therefore identifies a problem requiring surgery. Examination helps determine how well the symptoms fit the meniscal findings.

What might initial treatment involve?

In suitable patients, nonsurgical options such as load adjustment and individually tailored strengthening and movement exercises may be considered. Surgery is assessed separately for persistent symptoms or specific tear types. Preserving healthy meniscus where possible matters.

A truly locked knee that cannot fully straighten requires orthopaedic assessment, particularly with marked swelling and loss of function after a new injury. Simple clicking or occasional catching differs from a true mechanical block to movement.

Sources

• AAOS: Meniscus tears
• Englund et al.: Incidental meniscal MRI findings (2008)

This article provides general information. Individual diagnosis and treatment require a clinical assessment.