The orthopaedic surgeon will first take a history of the injury
to help determine if the signs and symptoms might suggest meniscal damage. Next
the doctor will evaluate the knee for swelling and tenderness in a physical
examination. The knee will be tender when pressed on the injured side
where the tibia and femur meet. The McMurray's maneuver is
a test in which the doctor applies pressure and moves the knee from straight
to bent to straight again to see what positions cause pain or catching (indications
of a meniscal tear).
The doctor may use imaging to assess the amount of damage. X-rays
can show any fractures or arthritic conditions in the knee. A narrow joint
space or bone changes indicate bone-on-bone rubbing and arthritis. If
the diagnosis is still not clear, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Image)
may be ordered to reveal damage to ligamaments and menisci. This exam
is 70 - 95% accurate in revealing meniscal tears, and can also show any
ligament damage.
Next
the doctor will evaluate the knee for swelling and tenderness in a physical
examination. The knee will be tender when pressed on the injured side
where the tibia and femur meet. The McMurray's maneuver is
a test in which the doctor applies pressure and moves the knee from straight
to bent to straight again to see what positions cause pain or catching (indications
of a meniscal tear). 
