Classification of meniscal tears

classification of meniscal tears

Meniscal tears could be classified into:

• vertical (longitudinal and radial)
  • vertical longitudinal tears
    • tears which are parallel to the long axis of the meniscus
    • can be
      • complete (also known as “bucket handle tears”) - commonly seen in the medial meniscus, are often unstable and can result in mechanical symptoms or true locking of the knee
      • incomplete - symptoms may or may not be present
  • vertical radial tears
    • tears which are perpendicular to the long axis of the meniscus and to the tibial plateau
    • usually seen at the junction between the posterior and the middle third of the medial meniscus or near the posterior insertion of the lateral meniscus
    • usually not repairable
• oblique
  • often known as meniscal flap
  • more likely to be seen between the posterior and middle third of the meniscus although it can occur at any location
• complex (or degenerative)
  • consists of two or more tear patterns
  • occurs frequently in the posterior horn and midbody
  • commonly seen in patients aged over 40 years and is often associated with degenerative changes of articular cartilage
  • represent part of the pathology of degenerative arthritis
• horizontal
  • tears parallel to the tibial plateau
  • divides the meniscus into an upper and a lower part
  • frequency increases with age
  • often associated with meniscal cysts and can lead to localized swelling

Reference:

• (1) Nicola Maffulli et al. Meniscal tears. Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine 2010:1 45–54