The menisci are cartilage structures cushioning the knee joint. Tears are classified by pattern, including radial, horizontal, bucket-handle, and complex, with certain patterns more characteristic of degeneration.
Degenerative tears are common in middle-aged and older adults.
Alternative Names:
Torn Meniscus, Knee Cartilage Tear
Why it Matters?
Tear pattern is the diagnostic indicator that distinguishes mechanism, since horizontal and complex degenerative tears differ from the vertical and bucket-handle patterns typical of acute trauma. The presence of associated arthritic change is a further indicator. Literature questioning the benefit of arthroscopic meniscectomy for degenerative tears is also relevant to whether the surgery was reasonable and necessary.
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Frequently asked questions
How does tear pattern indicate mechanism?
Is arthroscopic surgery indicated for degenerative tears?
