Differential Diagnosis for Meniscus Tear
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Meniscus tear: This is the most likely diagnosis given the presentation, as meniscus tears are a common injury that can occur from a variety of mechanisms, including twisting, bending, or direct trauma to the knee.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Ligament sprain: Ligament sprains, particularly to the medial or lateral collateral ligaments, can present similarly to meniscus tears with pain, swelling, and instability in the knee.
- Osteochondritis dissecans: This condition, which involves a fragment of cartilage and bone becoming detached from the surrounding bone, can cause knee pain and locking, similar to a meniscus tear.
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome: This condition, characterized by pain in the front of the knee, can sometimes be mistaken for a meniscus tear, especially if the pain is exacerbated by activities that put stress on the knee joint.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Septic arthritis: Although less common, septic arthritis is a serious condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent long-term damage to the joint.
- Osteonecrosis: This condition, which involves the death of bone tissue due to lack of blood supply, can be mistaken for a meniscus tear, but requires urgent treatment to prevent collapse of the bone.
- Fracture: A fracture of the knee, such as a tibial plateau fracture, can present with similar symptoms to a meniscus tear and requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent long-term complications.
- Rare diagnoses
- Synovial chondromatosis: This rare condition, characterized by the growth of cartilage in the synovial membrane of the joint, can cause knee pain and locking, similar to a meniscus tear.
- Pigmented villonodular synovitis: This rare condition, characterized by the growth of tissue in the synovial membrane of the joint, can cause knee pain and swelling, similar to a meniscus tear.
- Meniscal cyst: A meniscal cyst, which is a fluid-filled cyst that forms in the meniscus, can cause knee pain and swelling, similar to a meniscus tear.