What Is Torn Knee Cartilage (Meniscus Tears)?
There are two different mechanisms that result in a tear to a meniscus. Traumatic tears result from a sudden load being applied to the meniscal tissue, which is severe enough to cause the meniscal cartilage to fail and let go. These usually occur from a twisting injury or a blow to the side of the knee that causes the meniscus to be levered against and compressed. A football clipping injury or a fall backwards onto the heel with rotation of the lower leg are common examples of this injury pattern. In a person under 30 years of age this typically requires a fairly violent injury although any age group can sustain a traumatic tear. Degenerative meniscal tears are best thought of as a failure of the meniscus over time. There is a natural drying-out of the inner centre of the meniscus that can begin in the late 20’s and progresses with age. The meniscus becomes less elastic and compliant and as a result may fail with only minimal trauma (such as just getting down into a squat). Sometimes t
