Torn Meniscus Facts

  • The knee is the largest joint in the body.
  • Cartilage within the knee joint helps protect the joint from the stresses placed on it from walking, running, climbing, and bending.
  • The medial and lateral menisci are two large C-shaped cartilages that are positioned on the top of the tibia.
  • A torn meniscus occurs because of trauma caused by forceful twisting or hyper-flexing of the knee joint.
  • Symptoms of a torn meniscus include knee pain, swelling, popping, and giving way.
  • Treatment of a torn meniscus may include observation and physical therapy with muscle strengthening to stabilize the knee joint. When conservative measures are ineffective treatment may include surgery to repair or remove the damaged cartilage.