Meniscal Tear (Medial & Lateral)
Torn Knee Cartilage
Tear of the medial or lateral meniscus: two C-shaped fibrocartilage structures that act as shock absorbers, load distributors, and stabilisers in the knee. Most common knee injury requiring surgery. Medial:lateral tear ratio 2:1. Traumatic tears in young athletes (twisting mechanism) vs degenerative tears in >40 (atraumatic, part of OA process). Peripheral tears can heal; central tears cannot (blood supply).
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