Meniscal Injuries - Classification, Location, Position, Size, and Pattern

The peripheral two-thirds of the meniscus is innervated by type 1 and type 2 nerve endings while the posterior horns have the highest concentration of mechanoreceptors. Symptoms can include pain localizing to the medial or lateral side, mechanical symptoms which can be locking and clicking especially with squatting, and delayed or intermittent swelling. On physical exam, joint line tenderness is the most sensitive physical examination finding. You may also find effusion on exam. An MRI grade 3 signal is indicative of a tear. A paraminesicle cyst indicates the presence of a meniscal tear.