Meniscus Injuries: Evaluation and Treatment Strategies

Presented by Dan Rhon

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Video Runtime: 70 Minutes; Learning Assessment Time: 49 Minutes

Meniscus injuries are a common yet complex source of knee dysfunction, often leading to pain, reduced mobility, and long-term joint degeneration. This course provides a comprehensive overview of meniscus anatomy, biomechanics, clinical evaluation, and current evidence for both surgical and nonsurgical management strategies. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how to differentiate between symptomatic and asymptomatic tears, apply clinical reasoning during assessment, and guide treatment plans that prioritize conservative care when appropriate. Practical demonstrations of special tests, a review of imaging decision rules, and postoperative rehabilitation considerations are included. This course is applicable to physical therapists, athletic trainers, and other rehabilitation professionals working in orthopedic, sports medicine, and primary care settings.

Learning Outcomes

Analyze the role of the meniscus in contributing to tibiofemoral joint function
Categorize the key components of a comprehensive subjective examination
Determine the essential elements of a complete knee physical examination and associated differential diagnoses
Distinguish between symptomatic and asymptomatic meniscus tears
Examine the current evidence supporting effective treatment approaches for meniscus injuries

Meet your instructor

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Dan Rhon

Dr. Dan Rhon is a clinician, active researcher, and assistant professor at Baylor University in Texas. He received an MPT and DSc through Baylor University and then a DPT through Temple University. He attended a manual therapy clinical fellowship at Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas, is a fellow in the American Academy of…

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Chapters & learning objectives

1. Basic Anatomy and Biomechanics of the Meniscus

This chapter explores the anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics of the meniscus to establish its critical role in knee joint function. Understanding vascularization, load transmission, proprioception, and structural variations helps clinicians grasp why and how meniscal injuries occur and the challenges associated with healing.

2. Epidemiology and Etiology of Meniscus Injuries

Clinicians will examine the prevalence and risk factors for meniscus injuries, many of which are not related to trauma or sport. This chapter highlights the common co-occurrence of meniscus tears with osteoarthritis and ligament injuries and discusses congenital variations, such as discoid meniscus, and their clinical implications.

3. Subjective Assessment

This chapter emphasizes the importance of a thorough subjective examination, including how to identify relevant symptoms, injury mechanisms, and patient characteristics that help shape the clinical hypothesis. Recognizing differences between acute and chronic presentations is essential for accurate diagnosis.

4. Objective Assessment

Clinicians will learn how to conduct and interpret physical examination tests such as the McMurray test, the Thessaly test, and joint line palpation in combination with clinical decision rules like the Ottawa Knee Rule. The chapter also addresses the appropriate role of imaging, including when MRI is or is not indicated.

5. Overview of Best Evidence for Nonsurgical Management

This chapter reviews the evidence comparing surgical and nonsurgical interventions for various types of meniscus tears. Clinicians will gain insight into which tears may benefit from surgery and which may respond well to physical therapy, along with structured phases of conservative rehabilitation.

6. Current Concepts in Postoperative Management of Meniscus Repair

Rehabilitation following meniscus surgery varies based on the type and stability of the repair. This chapter outlines early-phase precautions, progression criteria, and evidence-informed strategies to support optimal recovery and return to activity following either meniscectomy or meniscal repair.

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