Which sign is NOT a symptom of a meniscal tear?

The symptom that is typically not associated with a meniscal tear is pain along the patellar tendon. A meniscal tear primarily affects the cartilage in the knee joint and usually presents symptoms related to joint function and stability rather than pain localized along the patellar tendon, which is related to different conditions such as patellar tendinitis.

In cases of a meniscal tear, joint line tenderness is a common finding, as the injury often causes pain directly over the meniscus where it is located in the knee. Swelling in the knee is also a prevalent symptom due to inflammation and the accumulation of fluid in response to the injury. Locking of the knee occurs when a torn piece of meniscal cartilage becomes caught in the knee joint, preventing normal movement.

Recognizing the correct symptoms related to a meniscal tear is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective management of knee injuries.