A meniscus tear is a tear in one of the C-shaped cartilage pads inside the knee that cushion and stabilise the joint.
Common symptoms include knee pain, swelling, clicking or catching, a feeling that the knee gives way or locks, and difficulty fully straightening or bending the joint.
Imaging shows where the tear is, the pattern of the tear, and whether other knee structures (ligaments, cartilage, bone) are involved.
MRI is the test of choice for visualising the menisci and surrounding ligaments.
Treatment may include rest, physiotherapy, and pain relief; some tears benefit from arthroscopic surgery, especially when locking or persistent symptoms continue.
This entry explains the finding. The next step is having a radiologist interpret your specific scan, not a general definition.
