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Meniscal Root Tear

A radial avulsion of the posterior meniscal attachment that destabilizes the meniscus and accelerates osteoarthritis.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

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What is Meniscal Root Tear?

Meniscal root tears most commonly affect the posterior root of the medial meniscus in middle-aged or older adults, often after a low-energy trauma such as squatting or rising from a chair. Lateral meniscal root tears are typically associated with anterior cruciate ligament tears in younger athletes.

The meniscus depends on intact roots to convert axial loads into circumferential hoop stresses. Loss of root attachment causes meniscal extrusion, abnormal cartilage loading, rapid chondral wear, and subchondral insufficiency fractures, accelerating progression to medial-compartment osteoarthritis.

Diagnosis is confirmed by MRI showing radial signal at the root, the ghost meniscus sign, ≥3 mm meniscal extrusion, and often subchondral edema or stress fracture in the medial femoral condyle/tibial plateau.

Symptoms

Sudden onset of medial knee pain after squatting or stair use
An audible pop at injury
Posteromedial joint-line tenderness
Joint swelling and effusion
Mechanical symptoms: catching, locking
Pain with deep flexion, kneeling, and pivoting
Increasing varus thrust during gait

Risk Factors

Age 40–60 years (medial root tears)
Female sex, obesity (BMI >30)
Varus knee alignment, mild degenerative changes
Sudden squatting, deep flexion, rising from low position
Concomitant ACL injury (especially for lateral root)
Previous partial meniscectomy

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Acute medial knee pain with effusion after a squatting or twisting event
  • Persistent posterior knee pain with limited squatting tolerance
  • Increasing knee varus and walking difficulty in middle-aged adult
  • Suspected meniscal injury with mechanical symptoms

Treatment Methods

01
Initial conservative care: relative rest, ice, NSAIDs, brief immobilization, physical therapy if ineligible for surgery
02
Surgical repair (transtibial pull-out suture) is preferred in active patients with minimal arthritis and acceptable alignment, ideally within 3–6 months of injury
03
Concurrent realignment osteotomy (high tibial osteotomy) for patients with significant varus malalignment to protect the repair
04
Postoperative protocol: protected weight-bearing, restricted deep flexion, gradual rehabilitation over 4–6 months
05
Injection therapies (PRP, hyaluronic acid) and partial meniscectomy are alternatives in patients with advanced arthritis or contraindications
06
Total knee arthroplasty for end-stage osteoarthritis with chronic root tear
07
Long-term management: weight loss, lower-impact exercise, periodic imaging, and treatment of associated osteoarthritis

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.