Peer Reviewed Patient Education
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       How is a meniscus injury diagnosed? The orthopaedic surgeon will first take a history of the injury to help determine if the signs and symptoms might suggest meniscal damage. 
Next
the doctor will evaluate the knee for swelling and tenderness in
a physical examination. The knee will be tender when pressed
on the injured side where the tibia and femur meet. The McMurray's
maneuver is a test in which the doctor applies pressure
and moves the knee from straight to bent to straight again to see
what positions cause pain or catching (indications of a meniscal
tear). The doctor may use imaging to assess the amount of damage. X-rays can show any fractures or arthritic conditions in the knee. A narrow joint space or bone changes indicate bone-on-bone rubbing and arthritis. If the diagnosis is still not clear, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Image) may be ordered to reveal damage to ligamaments and menisci. This exam is 70 - 95% accurate in revealing meniscal tears, and can also show any ligament damage.  
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At Seaport we believe in meeting patients' individual needs through comprehensive evaluation and treatment, designed to help achieve an active, pain-free lifestyle. Seaport physicians take the time to know you and work with you from your initial symptoms or injury, through every aspect of your recovery. Our goal at Seaport is to enable our patients to get back to a full active lifestyle as quickly and safely possible.
Our group is comprised of various physicians whose specialties include orthopaedic surgery, treatment of the hand, knee, spine, hip, foot and ankle, physical medicine and rehabilitation and pain management.