NPTE Studycast | Physical Therapy
Meniscus Tear: NPTE Breakdown in Under 3 Minutes
- 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.
Lock down meniscus tears in under 3 minutes. Hit follow for more NPTE wins.





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