Updated: 31-05-2025
Lateral Meniscus Tear: A Complete Overview & Its Symptoms
For many individuals, a common query is whether lateral meniscus tear is a problem that has to be seriously considered or not.
Now, let us discuss the causes, symptoms, and diagnosis in detail.
If an individual is suffering from knee swelling and pain, and if they find it difficult to move their knees, then they might be suffering from a common knee problem called a lateral meniscus tear.
Though this ailment is more common in athletes and other sportspeople, anyone can suffer from it as it also comes with age.
What is a lateral meniscus tear?
A lateral meniscus tear is a wound considered by tearing cartilage tissue in the knee joints situated at the outer aspect of the knee, usually causing pain in this region.
The knee joint consists of the union of two bones, such as the femur and the tibia.
Between the ends of two bones, there exist 2 round discs, which are made up of cartilage known as the medial (inner) and lateral (outer) meniscus.
Usually, the surface of the meniscus is smooth, enabling natural movement of the long bones on the shin bone.
Sometimes, because of excessive weight bearing or twisting forces, the meniscus can be torn or injured, and the surface no longer remains smooth.
Once this happens to the lateral meniscus, it is called a lateral meniscus tear.
Injuries or damages caused to the lateral meniscus are less common than medial meniscus injuries.
Sometimes a lateral meniscus tear may occur in the blend with injuries to other structures of the knee, like the collateral ligaments, cruciate ligaments, or medial meniscus.
Causes of Lateral meniscus tear
Excessive weight bearing and twisting forces are the primary causes of lateral meniscus tears.
It is usually seen in sports that need sudden changes of direction as well as twisting movements.
Here, the term sports can include soccer, football, netball, basketball, and snow skiing.
Lateral meniscal tears often occur when the foot gets fixed on the ground and a twisting force is applied to the knee, or after a forceful landing or jump.
The tearing of the lateral meniscus also occurs over time, utilising the gradual wear and tear associated with overuse.
In elder or aged patients where degenerative changes are present, damage to the lateral meniscus can occur with a minor movement.
Signs and Symptoms of Lateral Meniscus Tear
Patients suffering from lateral meniscal tears frequently experience a sharp and sudden pain at the outer aspect, on the front and back sides of the knee, during injury.
Reportedly, in a few patients, an audible sound can be heard during injury, or they may experience a tearing sensation.
Patients usually experience severe pain with weight-bearing activity and other twisting movements of the knee.
The other symptoms of a lateral meniscus tear are:
- Pain while climbing stairs,
- Pain while trying to kneel or when squatting
- Swelling can be seen after injury
- Tenderness while touching the knee joint on the outer aspect of the knee
- The knee may feel weak or unstable
In a few cases, when a lateral meniscus tear occurs, there can be few or no immediate symptoms.
During these cases, symptoms can increase gradually in the forthcoming days, usually with a rise in weight-bearing or twisting activity.
In more intense cases, there can be severe pain and significant constraint in the movements of the knee.
Clicking sensations, intermittent locking, and episodes of giving way or collapsing can exist.
The patient can also walk with a limp or may not bear weight due to pain.
Diagnosis of a lateral meniscus tear
The treatment for the lateral meniscus tear depends on the affected area.
A physiotherapist is required to make a thorough and intensive examination to understand the intensity of the problem.
Tests such as X-rays and MRIs are done to confirm the diagnosis and eliminate the presence of other injuries to the knee.
In a few cases, MRI has proven to be inconclusive; an investigative arthroscopy can be performed to help diagnose.
The intensity of injury varies based on the level of tear of cartilage tissue damage.
Patients will experience severe pain while engaging in weight-bearing activity and bending movements of the knee.
With relaxation, ice, and pain medications, minor tears can be cured until the pain is under control.
Regular exercise can boost motion and decrease swelling.
Severe tears require surgical intervention, which can be done arthroscopically.
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