Overview of Meniscal Injuries

The menisci play a crucial role in knee stability, load distribution, and shock absorption. Their anatomical structure is linked to the way they perform. Meniscal injuries are common in both athletic and nonathletic populations, accounting for > 60% of all reported knee injuries, making them the most common type of knee injury resulting from acute trauma or degenerative changes. Meniscal tears typically result from a combination of axial loading and rotational force. The medial meniscus is the most affected. Tears can be classified based on their location, pattern, and stability, influencing treatment decisions. The three patterns are horizontal tear (simple or complex with a flap), vertical or longitudinal tear (simple, bucket-handle, or specific case meniscal ramp tear), and radial tear (simple, parrot beak, and specific case meniscal root tears). Some diagnostic pitfalls are anatomical variants, ligamentous or tendinous structures, or variations in signal or meniscal shape.