NPTE Studycast | Physical Therapy

NPTE Studycast | Physical Therapy


Meniscus Tear: NPTE Breakdown in Under 3 Minutes

November 22, 2025
Meniscus Tear — NPTE Cheat Sheet


  • What it is:
  • Injury to the medial or lateral meniscus — the knee’s shock-absorbing cartilage — often caused by twisting or deep flexion.
  • Classic signs:
  • Joint line pain
  • Locking or catching
  • Clicking
  • Delayed swelling (24–48 hours)
  • Pain with squatting/twisting
  • Rule-in test:
  • McMurray test (NPTE’s go-to)
  • Rule-out clues:
  • Immediate swelling → ACL
  • Posterior sag → PCL
  • Medial tenderness → MCL
  • NPTE trap:
  • Locking/catching = meniscus, even if the question tries to distract you.
  • Best treatment:
  • ROM, swelling reduction, quads/hip strength, progressive loading.
  • Mock question included: Yes.

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