The two most common causes of a meniscus tear are due to traumatic injury (often seen in athletes) and degenerative processes (seen in older patients who have more fragile cartilage). The most common mechanism of a traumatic meniscus tear occurs when the knee joint is flexed and the knee is then twisted.
The meniscus tear can only be surgically removed. However, in some cases people can live with the meniscus tear without any problem. Also, there are exercises that lessen the symptoms of this problem.
