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Torn Meniscus-torn knee cartilage not limited to athletes or sports.

Edited By: Carol C. Teitz, M.D.
Last updated Wednesday, January 12, 2005

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Torn Meniscus - Extreme bending can tear a meniscus

Incidence and risk factors

Incidence

Meniscus tears can occur in all age groups. Traumatic tears are most common in active people from age 10-45. Degenerative tears are most common in people from age 40 upward.

Acquisition

Degenerative meniscal tears are thought to occur as part of the aging process when the collagen fibers within the meniscus start to break down and lend less support to the structure of the menicus. Degenerative tears are usually horizontal in the meniscus producing both an upper and lower segment of meniscus. These segments usually don't move out of place and therefore are less likely to produce mechanical symptoms of catching or locking. Traumatic meniscal tears are usually radial or vertical in the meniscus and are more likely to produce a moveable fragment that can catch in the knee and therefore require surgical treatment.

Lifestyle risk factors

Degenerative meniscal tears are also more common in smokers.

Injury & trauma risk factors

Most traumatic meniscal tears occur as a result of a twisting injury when the knee rotates but the foot stays fixed in position. The meniscus can also tear from extreme bending of the knee. The combination of bend, rotation, and sudden kick that occurs in some forms of martial arts is associated with lateral meniscal tears.

Surgery for Torn Meniscus-torn knee cartilage at the University of Washington

If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure, you can request an appointment using our online referrals website. To request a referral online, please click here. You can also call 206-543-1552 or 425-646-7777 to make an appointment.

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