classification of meniscal tears

Last reviewed 01/2018

classification of meniscal tears

Meniscal tears could be classified into:

• vertical (longitudinal and radial)
• vertical longitudinal tears
• tears which are parallel to the long axis of the meniscus
• can be
• complete (also known as “bucket handle tears”) - commonly seen in the medial meniscus, are often unstable and can result in mechanical symptoms or true locking of the knee
• incomplete - symptoms may or may not be present
•  vertical radial tears
• tears which are perpendicular to the long axis of the meniscus and to the tibial plateau
• usually seen at the junction between the posterior and the middle third of the medial meniscus or near the posterior insertion of the lateral meniscus
• usually not repairable
• oblique
• often known as meniscal flap
• more likely to be seen between the posterior and middle third of the meniscus although it can occur at any location
• complex (or degenerative)
• consists of two or more tear patterns
• occurs frequently in the posterior horn and midbody
• commonly seen in patients aged over 40 years and is often associated with degenerative changes of articular cartilage
• represent part of the pathology of  degenerative arthritis
• horizontal
• tears parallel to the tibial plateau
• divides the meniscus into an upper and a lower part
• frequency increases with age
• often associated with meniscal cysts and can lead to localized swelling

Reference:

• (1) Nicola Maffulli et al. Meniscal tears. Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine 2010:1 45–54