Viewing Options

Meniscal Tears

Text Size: + | -

Your knee is the largest joint in your body and one of the most complex. Because you use it so much, it is vulnerable to injury. Because it is made up of so many parts, many different things can go wrong.

Meniscal tears are among the most common knee injuries. Athletes, particularly those who play contact sports, are at risk for meniscal tears. However, anyone at any age can tear a meniscus. When people talk about torn cartilage in the knee, they are usually referring to a torn meniscus.

Last reviewed and updated: February 2009

Co-developed by the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine

AAOS does not review or endorse accuracy or effectiveness of materials, treatments or physicians.
Copyright 2009 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons