What Are the Causes of a Posterior Horn Meniscus Tear?

A posterior horn meniscus tear is a tear in the rear section of the lateral meniscus or the medial meniscus, two crescent shaped shock absorbing structures that are located in each knee. People may develop acute or degenerative meniscus tears.

Posterior Horn Meniscus Tear

According to the Steadman Clinic, tears are more likely to occur in the rear or posterior horn of a meniscus than in the other parts of a meniscus.

Acute Tears

Patients may develop acute meniscus tears from sports activities or other movements that forcefully twist a knee while it is bent and bearing weight. These tears cause swelling, pain and abnormal movement in the affected knee.

Degenerative Tears

Older people may experience degenerative meniscus tears from minor knee movements because a meniscus weakens and loses elasticity as a person ages. Patients may notice swelling, pain or no symptoms.

Diagnosis

Doctors evaluate pain and movement of a patient’s knee during a physical examination and they may use imaging tests such as X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging tests to diagnose a posterior horn meniscus tear.

Treatment

Physicians may treat small meniscus tears with a few months of observation and they may prescribe a knee brace and activity restrictions for patients. Meniscus tears with severe and long lasting symptoms may require surgical resection or replacement with a meniscus implant or transplanted meniscus.

References

• Steadman Clinic: Meniscal Injuries Overview
• Steadman Clinic: Meniscal Injuries Symptoms
• Steadman Clinic: Meniscal Injuries Diagnosis
• Steadman Clinic: Meniscal Injuries Treatment