Each knee joint includes two cartilage menisci which are crescent shaped. They lie on the medial and lateral of the upper surface of the tibia bone. These are essential components of the knee, since they act as shock absorbers besides allowing the proper interaction as well as weight distribution between the tibia and the thigh bone. Thus, an injury to either meniscus, including the medial meniscus tear, leads to critical impairment of the knee itself.
The medial meniscus is much more prone to injury than the lateral meniscus. This is because it is connected to the medial collateral ligament as well as the joint capsule, which makes it less mobile. This means that any forces which may be impacting from the outer surface of the knee, like a football kick, can severely damage the medial meniscus. Besides, a medial meniscus tear is often also associated with the injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament. Other causes of a medial meniscus tear may include twisting the knee or degenerative changes which are associated with age. Any of these circumstances can lead to a medial meniscus tear. In serious cases, it may require even surgical intervention.
The symptoms of a medial meniscus tear include a history of trauma or a twisting of the knee, or there may be pain on the inner surface of the knee joint. A swelling of the knee within 48 hours of injury is another symptom, besides an inability to bend the knee fully, which at times may be associated with pain or a clicking noise. There may be pain when rotating and pressing down on the knee. Besides, there may be an inability to bear weight on the affected side.
A medial meniscus tear may be in the form of a longitudinal tear, which occurs along the length of the meniscus. It tends to vary in length. This tear may be in the form of a radial tear, which is from the edge of the cartilage inwards. Bucket-Handle Tear is another form of a medial meniscus tear. It is an exaggerated form of a longitudinal tear in which a portion of the meniscus becomes detached from the tibia and forms a flap which looks like a bucket handle.