Meniscal tears
Disease Information
Tests
At Children’s Hospital Boston, we know that the first step to treating your child is forming an accurate, timely diagnosis.
The exam
To diagnose a torn meniscus, your child’s orthopedic specialist will take a medical history and perform a physical exam on your child. The doctor will check for pain along the joint line, where the meniscus lies. He or she will conduct what’s called the McMurray Test, in which the knee is bent, then straightened and rotated. The tension on a torn meniscus from this manipulation will cause a clicking sound.
The tests
To confirm the diagnosis with detailed images of the injury, the doctor may also use:
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body
- arthroscopy: a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that inserts a small camera into the joint for the doctor to inspect
| If you live far from Boston, we can help |
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As an international pediatric orthopedics center, Children’s treats young patients from all over the world. Our International Center assists families residing outside the United States: We facilitate the medical review of patient records; coordinate appointment scheduling; and help families with customs and immigration, transportation, hotel and housing accommodations. |
| Our Orthopedic Clinical Effectiveness Research Center (CERC) |
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The Orthopedic Clinical Effectiveness Research Center (CERC) was established by Children’s Orthopedic Center to improve the quality of life for children with musculoskeletal disorders. This collaborative clinical research program is unique in the nation and is playing an instrumental role in establishing, for the first time, evidence-based standards of care for pediatric orthopedic patients throughout the world. |
