What is the Difference Between Medial and Lateral Meniscus Tear?

The medial and lateral menisci are two C-shaped pads of cartilage that act as shock absorbers in the knee joint. They are located on the inside (medial) and outside (lateral) of the knee, respectively. The main differences between a medial and lateral meniscus tear are their locations, causes, and symptoms.

• Location: The medial meniscus is on the inside of the knee, while the lateral meniscus is on the outside of the knee.
• Causes: Meniscus tears usually occur when an athlete twists or turns their upper leg while their foot is planted and their knee is bent. The lateral meniscus is more mobile than the medial meniscus and is more susceptible to injury due to its lack of a collagenous insertion.
• Symptoms: Common symptoms of a meniscus tear include pain in the knee joint (usually on the inside or outside), swelling, catching or locking of the knee joint, and inability to fully extend or bend the knee joint. The patient with a lateral meniscus tear may also experience pain during internal rotation of the foot and the lower leg when the knee is flexed at different angles.

Diagnosis of a meniscus tear can be made based on special tests and MRI. Treatment for a meniscus tear will be determined by a doctor based on the patient's age, overall health, medical history, the severity of the injury, and the patient's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, and therapies.

Comparative Table: Medial vs Lateral Meniscus Tear

Here is a table comparing the differences between medial and lateral meniscus tears:

Both medial and lateral meniscus tears are types of meniscus tears, which are common knee injuries. They share similar symptoms and can be diagnosed through physical examination and imaging tests like MRI. Treatment options include physical therapy, rehabilitation, and surgery, with recovery times ranging from 6 to 8 weeks or up to three months if surgery is needed.