Which finding is most characteristic of a meniscal tear on clinical exam?

Which finding is most characteristic of a meniscal tear on clinical exam?

• A. Laxity on stability testing.
• B. Joint line tenderness with clicking or locking.
• C. Ligamentous injury is typically associated with swelling.
• D. A positive Lachman test.

Answer: (B)

Clinical findings that point most directly to a meniscal tear are tenderness along the joint line combined with mechanical symptoms like clicking or locking during knee movement. The joint-line tenderness localizes the pain to the meniscal surface, and the tearing of the meniscus can cause a fragment to catch or lock as the knee moves, producing those mechanical sensations. This pattern helps distinguish a meniscal issue from ligament injuries, where instability and laxity are more characteristic. Laxity on stability testing or a positive Lachman test suggests an ACL or other ligament injury, not a meniscal tear. Swelling can occur with many knee problems and isn’t as specific to meniscal tears as joint-line tenderness with mechanical symptoms.

Clinical findings that point most directly to a meniscal tear are tenderness along the joint line combined with mechanical symptoms like clicking or locking during knee movement. The joint-line tenderness localizes the pain to the meniscal surface, and the tearing of the meniscus can cause a fragment to catch or lock as the knee moves, producing those mechanical sensations. This pattern helps distinguish a meniscal issue from ligament injuries, where instability and laxity are more characteristic. Laxity on stability testing or a positive Lachman test suggests an ACL or other ligament injury, not a meniscal tear. Swelling can occur with many knee problems and isn’t as specific to meniscal tears as joint-line tenderness with mechanical symptoms.