Which sign is MOST indicative of a meniscal tear?

Which sign is MOST indicative of a meniscal tear?

• A. Mechanical locking.
• B. Posterior knee swelling.
• C. Atrophy of hamstrings.
• D. Decreased pain with weight bearing.

Answer: (A)

Mechanical locking reflects a physical blockage inside the knee caused by a torn meniscus fragment. When a piece of the meniscus displaces into the joint, it can jam the motion arc, so the knee cannot fully extend or flex and may “lock” in place. This mechanical symptom is highly specific to intra-articular pathology like a meniscal tear, making it the most indicative sign. Swelling around the knee can occur after injury but is nonspecific and can accompany many conditions. Hamstring atrophy signals longer-term disuse or deconditioning rather than a direct indicator of a meniscal tear. Pain that decreases with weight bearing is not typical of a meniscal tear, as these injuries generally produce pain with loading.

Mechanical locking reflects a physical blockage inside the knee caused by a torn meniscus fragment. When a piece of the meniscus displaces into the joint, it can jam the motion arc, so the knee cannot fully extend or flex and may “lock” in place. This mechanical symptom is highly specific to intra-articular pathology like a meniscal tear, making it the most indicative sign.

Swelling around the knee can occur after injury but is nonspecific and can accompany many conditions. Hamstring atrophy signals longer-term disuse or deconditioning rather than a direct indicator of a meniscal tear. Pain that decreases with weight bearing is not typical of a meniscal tear, as these injuries generally produce pain with loading.