epidemiology

Last reviewed 01/2018

The annual incidence of meniscal tears is around 60-70 per 100,000 population (1).

  • the prevalence increases with age
  • male to female ratio is from 2.5:1 to 4:1
  • degenerative tears commonly occurs in older patients
  • medial meniscus tears are more common since it’s less mobile and bears more force during weight bearing when compared to the lateral meniscus. 56% of tears involve the posterior horn
  • lateral meniscus tears are more common in younger patients (<30 year olds)

Associated anterior cruciate ligament injury is seen in more than one third of all meniscal tears

  • peak incidence in men is seen between the ages 21 and 30 while in women and girls it is between 11-20 years (1)       

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