meniscal tears

A horizontal cleavage tear of the meniscus is a tear that is difficult to visualise under arthroscopy as it extends horizontally into the body of the meniscus, and only the 'lips' of the tear may be visible. Horizontal tears of the meniscus are usually degenerate (ie no history of injury) and occur in older people.

The knee surgeon usually confirms the presence and extent of the horizontal tear by probing it with a blunt probe.