A meniscus tear is a common knee joint injury. The most common causes of meniscus tears are sports-related movements, often when the knee is twisted while the knee is partially flexed and the foot is firmly planted on the ground. Men are more than twice as likely to have a meniscus tear than women. Meniscus tears also are common with normal movement in older people whose menisci are worn down.

Meniscus tears often occur along with tears of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).