Course Description:

The knee joint has 2 fibrocartilaginous pads, a medial meniscus and a lateral meniscus. These menisci of the knee function to provide the knee joint with shock absorption, load transmission, joint stability, proprioception, and lubrication. Each meniscus is susceptible not only to acute trauma, but also to age-related degeneration. And although meniscal injuries exhibit some symptoms similar to those of cruciate ligament injuries, there are some unique signs and symptoms a physical therapist can use to distinguish the two during the history and physical exam. Mechanism of injury might involve traumatic onset tears or nontraumatic (degenerative) tears. Signs and symptoms might include: joint line tenderness, mechanical locking, joint stiffness, persistent swelling, antalgic gait, increased knee pain on using stairs, squatting, or kneeling. The physical therapist should be competent performing special tests for a suspected meniscal tear to prevent further stress to a meniscal injury and to interpret the findings. Proper management of meniscal injuries will also involve modifying activities to minimize high-impact and deep squatting, as well as encouraging weight loss in patients who are overweight.