Review Question - QID 3516

The video shown in Figure A shows a displaced medial meniscus tear best described as a parrot beak tear. Oblique tears, alternatively described as flap or parrot beak tears, commonly occur at the junction of the posterior horn and the body of the meniscus. These injuries are often symptomatic as they often cause a mechanical symptoms. Repair of oblique tears is rarely possible, and partial excision to a stable rim is commonly required.

Vertical/longitudinal meniscal tears are often termed bucket handle tears when they are complete and unstable. Typically associated with injury to the ACL, they often originate posteriorly and vary in length. Commonly, complete tears larger than 1 cm in length are unstable and will displace into the joint, leading to mechanical symptoms and a block to extension or locking of the knee.

Illustration A shows the various patterns of meniscal tears.