Knee Meniscal Tear Patterns

Abstract The knee menisci are fibrocartilaginous structures that lie within the medial and lateral aspects of the femorotibial articulation. The meniscus plays a vital role in optimizing knee biomechanics by providing stability, shock absorption, and proprioception. Considering its functional importance, injuries to the meniscus are associated with significant morbidity and commonly present with pain, mechanical symptoms, and intermittent swelling. Diagnosis of a clinically suspected meniscus tear is confirmed with MRI, with meniscal tears representing the most common indication for knee MRI and knee surgery. In a broad sense, meniscal tears are frequent sports-related injuries in younger patients and often a degenerative process in older individuals. Treatment (nonoperative vs operative, meniscus repair vs meniscectomy) depends on tear morphology and patient functional demands. Radiologists should be able to recognize and categorize meniscal tears, while being aware of common pitfalls to avoid misdiagnosis.