Classification

Vertical tears

Longitudinal tear

• Tear along the longitudinal axis of the meniscus.

Radial tear

• Tear transverse to the circumferential fibres of the meniscus.

Bucket handle tear

• Complete longitudinal tear that results in a peripheral and inner fragment.

Horizontal tears

Transverse tear

• Tear in the horizontal axis of the meniscus.

Cleavage tear

• Complete transverse tear that separates the meniscus into superior and inferior fragments.

Parrot's beak tear

A combined, incomplete radial and longitudinal tear, with a displaceable component that resembles a parrot's beak.

Root tear

Tear in the anterior or posterior meniscal roots where the meniscus attaches to the central tibial plateau.

Degenerative tear

Can occur as a result of traumatic or degenerative arthritis.

Types of meniscal tearsCreated by BMJ Publishing Group