What causes torn meniscus-torn knee cartilage?
Meniscus tears can occur in all age groups. Traumatic tears are most common in active people from age 10-45. Degenerative tears are most common in people from age 40 upward. Degenerative meniscal tears are thought to occur as part of the aging process when the collagen fibers within the meniscus start to break down and lend less support to the structure of the menicus. Degenerative tears are usually horizontal in the meniscus producing both an upper and lower segment of meniscus. These segments usually don’t move out of place and therefore are less likely to produce mechanical symptoms of catching or locking. Traumatic meniscal tears are usually radial or vertical in the meniscus and are more likely to produce a moveable fragment that can catch in the knee and therefore require surgical treatment. Degenerative meniscal tears are also more common in smokers. Most traumatic meniscal tears occur as a result of a twisting injury when the knee rotates but the foot stays fixed in position. T
