What is a common sign of a meniscal tear?

A common sign of a meniscal tear is joint line tenderness. The meniscus acts as a cushion between the femur and tibia, and when it is torn, patients often present with localized pain along the joint line of the knee. This tenderness can be a critical indicator for healthcare professionals during examination, helping differentiate between various knee injuries.

Joint line tenderness often accompanies additional symptoms such as swelling, stiffness, and limited range of motion, making it a significant clinical finding. It's essential for clinicians to assess this tenderness to aid in diagnosis and subsequent treatment planning, as it suggests that the meniscal structure is compromised.

Instability in the knee and pain on kneeling can also be associated with meniscal injuries, but they are not as definitive as joint line tenderness in indicating a meniscal tear. Similarly, a popping sound during movement, though sometimes reported by patients with such tears, is more subjective and can be attributed to different causes in knee pathology, making it less specific. Joint line tenderness stands out as a consistent and reliable sign when diagnosing a meniscal tear.