Epidemiology

The annual incidence of meniscal tears is around 60-70 per 100,000 population (1).

• the prevalence increases with age
• male to female ratio is from 2.5:1 to 4:1
• degenerative tears commonly occurs in older patients
• medial meniscus tears are more common since it’s less mobile and bears more force during weight bearing when compared to the lateral meniscus. 56% of tears involve the posterior horn
• lateral meniscus tears are more common in younger patients (<30 year olds)

Associated anterior cruciate ligament injury is seen in more than one third of all meniscal tears

• peak incidence in men is seen between the ages 21 and 30 while in women and girls it is between 11-20 years (1)

Reference:

• (1) Nicola Maffulli et al. Meniscal tears. Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine 2010:1 45–54
• (2) Fox MG. MR imaging of the meniscus: review, current trends, and clinical implications. Radiol Clin North Am. 2007;45(6):1033-53