🎧FREE MSRA PODCAST –Meniscal Tears: Catching Knee Pain & Shock Absorbers Gone Wrong

In this episode, wedissect meniscal tears – a common cause of knee pain in both athletes andolder adults. Learn the differences between traumaticvs degenerative tears, when to suspect aroot tear, and how to manage it from conservativetreatment to surgery. Whetheryou’re revising for the MSRA or brushing up your MSK knowledge, this one’s amust-listen.

🧠Key Learning Points –Meniscal Tear for the MSRA

📌Definition

• Meniscal tears are rips in the C-shaped cartilage pads (menisci) between thefemur and tibia.

• Two menisci: medial and lateral– they act as shock absorbers, assist inload distribution, joint stability, and lubrication.

📌Causes & RiskFactors

• Traumatic tears: Sudden twisting/pivoting(sports injuries)

• Degenerative tears: Gradual wear (often inolder adults with osteoarthritis)

• Risk ↑ with:

 – Age

 – Previous kneeinjury

 – Sports (football,basketball)

 – Osteoarthritis

🧠Memory hook:"Twist + Time = Tear"

📌Pathophysiology

• Traumatic: Suddenoverload of force → tear

• Degenerative:Cartilage thins + weakens → minor stress can tear

• Meniscal root tears mimic total meniscus loss →↑ joint pressure → ↑ OA risk

📌Symptoms (ClinicalFeatures)

• Knee pain, swelling(gradual onset), stiffness

• Catching, locking,or popping sensation

• Joint line tenderness (inner or outer knee)

• Giving way or feeling of instability

• Swelling often delayed (2–36 hrs post-injury)

📌DifferentialDiagnoses

• ACL/PCL injuries

• Patellofemoralpain syndrome

• Osteoarthritis

• Bursitis ortendinopathies

• Referred pain orincidental meniscal findings on MRI

📋Diagnosis &Investigations

• History + Physical Exam → joint linetenderness, positive McMurray’s or Apley’s test

• 🧲 MRI = gold standard (shows tear type, size, and location)

• 🩻 X-ray: to rule out fracture using Ottawa Knee Rules

• DGEMRIC:specialist MRI for cartilage assessment (not routine)

🩹Management (Mnemonic:PRICER)

P = Protect

R = Rest

I = Ice

C = Compression

E = Elevation

R = Rehabilitation (Physio is key!)

🔹Conservative:

• NSAIDs, exercisetherapy, strengthening quads/hamstrings

• Activitymodification

🔹Surgical:

• Arthroscopy:

 – Repair (preserve meniscus)

 – Partial meniscectomy (trim the damaged part)

• Post-op physiotherapy is essential

• Rare: meniscaltransplant or scaffold procedures

🔴 Urgent ortho referral if true locking present

📉Prognosis &Complications

✅ Many improve with appropriate treatment

❌ Risks:

 – Re-tear

 – Infection

 – Persistent pain

 – Early knee osteoarthritis, esp. if meniscus removed

 – ↓ Shockabsorption = ↑ wear over time

🧠 Prevention: Strengthen muscles + avoid twistingstress

📎More MSRA Resources –Meniscal Tear

📝 Revision Notes:

https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/knee-pain-meniscal-tear-revision-notes/

🧠 Flashcards:

https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/knee-pain-meniscal-tear-flashcards/

📖 Accordion Q&A Notes:

https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/knee-pain-meniscal-tear-accordion-qa-notes/

🎯 Rapid Quiz:

https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/knee-pain-meniscal-tear-rapid-quiz/

🧪 Quiz Bank:

https://www.passthemsra.com/quizzes/knee-pain-meniscal-tear/

🌐 For more learning resources:

✅PassTheMSRA.com – 1000+ flashcards, revision notes & mockexams

🔓FreeMSRA.com – 100% free podcasts, crib sheets & questionwalkthroughs

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