Radiology
X-ray images (normally during weightbearing) can be obtained to rule out other conditions or to see if the patient also has osteoarthritis. The menisci themselves cannot be visualised with plain radiographs. If the diagnosis is not clear from the history and examination, the menisci can be imaged with magnetic resonance imaging (an MRI scan). This technique has replaced previous arthrography, which involved injecting contrast medium into the joint space. In straightforward cases, knee arthroscopy allows quick diagnosis and simultaneous treatment. Recent clinical data shows that MRI and clinical testing are comparable in sensitivity and specificity when looking for a meniscal tear. Classification
A meniscal tear can be classified in various ways, such as by anatomic location or by proximity to blood supply. Various tear patterns and configurations have been described. These include:

Radial tears
Flap or parrot-beak tears
Peripheral, longitudinal tears
Bucket-handle tears
Horizontal cleavage tears
Complex, degenerative tearsThese tears can then be further classified by their proximity to the meniscus blood supply, namely whether they are located in the “red-red,” “red-white,” or “white-white” zones. The functional importance of these classifications, however, is to ultimately determine whether a meniscus is repairable. The repairability of a meniscus depends on a number of factors. These include:

Age/strength
Activity level
Tear pattern
Chronicity of the tear
Associated injuries (anterior cruciate ligament injury)
Healing potential

Prevention
Tear of a meniscus is a common injury in many sports. The menisci hold 30–50% of the body load in standing position. Some sports where a meniscus tear is common are American football, association football, ice hockey and tennis.
Individuals between age 18 and 44 were among the highest with 37.37% total of discharges, followed by the age group 45–64, with a percentage of 36.34%. Males had a slightly higher number of discharges (50.78%) than females (48.66%). The average length of stay for both male and female patients in a hospital setting was 3.1. References


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