How do you diagnose a Meniscus Tear?

An accurate diagnosis is the cornerstone of effective treatment. While symptoms provide clues, a definitive diagnosis requires a clinical evaluation and often advanced imaging.

Physical Examination: A specialist will perform a series of physical tests to stress the menisci. The McMurray test and Thessaly test involve bending, straightening, and rotating the knee to see if these movements reproduce the pain or a clicking sensation, indicating a probable tear. The location of the joint line tenderness (medial vs lateral) is also a strong indicator.

MRI as Gold Standard: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the best way to visualise the soft tissues of the knee. It can confirm the presence of a meniscus tear, identify its location and pattern (e.g., meniscus root tear), and rule out or identify other associated injuries, like ligament damage or cartilage defects. Early imaging is crucial for planning the right course of treatment.