A lesion of the meniscus may occur during the combined movements of flexion and rotation typical in traumatic distortions. A lesion may also occur, however, after a banal movement or through cartilage degeneration and loss of elasticity in elderly people. Symptoms vary from an acute sting localized along the articular line to a dull and undefined pain that flares up during certain movements. Important meniscal lesions may generate a real articular block which most of the time can be resolved with appropriate titling maneuvers in flexion-extension. 

During the examination different parameters will be evaluated such as finding the exact area of pain, swelling, defining the range of motion and the presence of any looseness. The tests used to confirm the diagnosis include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computer tomography (CT) due to their ability to show both skeletal components and muscular structures. An accurate diagnosis is crucial in order to plan a suitable rehabilitation program. This will be differentiated based on the type of lesion and the patient’s unique needs. Conservative (non operative) methods are effective for many cases but based on the severity of the injury, surgical intervention may be necessary.