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Causes

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Illustration showing torn meniscus Torn meniscus

A torn meniscus can result from any activity that causes you to forcefully twist or rotate your knee, such as aggressive pivoting or sudden stops and turns. Even kneeling, deep squatting or lifting something heavy can sometimes lead to a torn meniscus. In older adults, degenerative changes of the knee may contribute to a torn meniscus.

Risk factors Symptoms
References
  1. Miller RH, et al. Menisci. In: Canale ST, et al. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/page.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-03329-9..50046-5--cesec15&isbn=978-0-323-03329-9&sid=1090862192&type=bookPage&sectionEid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-03329-9..50046-5--cesec18&uniqId=228828360-3#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-03329-9..50046-5--cesec18. Accessed Dec. 2, 2010.
  2. Meniscal tears. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00358. Accessed Dec. 2, 2010.
  3. Anderson BC. Meniscal injury of the knee. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 2, 2010.
  4. Knee arthroscopy. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00299. Accessed Dec. 2, 2010.
DS00932 Feb. 10, 2011

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