Glossary

Joint line tenderness

Quick answer

Joint line tenderness is pain when the surgeon presses on the gap between the thigh bone and shin bone at the side of the knee, where the meniscus sits. It is a common sign of a meniscus tear, though arthritis can cause it too, explains Doha knee surgeon Dr. Pablo Gelber at Aman Hospital.

What the surgeon is feeling for

With your knee bent to about 90 degrees, the surgeon runs a thumb along the soft groove on the inner and outer sides of the knee, just below the kneecap level. This groove is the joint line. Pressing on it is usually painless in a healthy knee.

If a spot is sore, you may wince or say "that's exactly where it hurts". The surgeon compares inner, outer and back corners, and checks the same points on the other knee.

What it tells the surgeon

Tenderness on the inner joint line, especially towards the back, is a frequent finding with a medial meniscus tear. Tenderness on the outer side may point to the lateral meniscus.

It is a useful sign but not proof. Arthritis, a bruised bone, an MCL injury or inflamed tendons near the joint can all be tender in a similar place. That is why it is read together with the McMurray and Thessaly tests and, when needed, an MRI or a standing X-ray.

Frequently asked questions

If my joint line is tender, is my meniscus definitely torn?

Not definitely. It is one of the commonest signs of a tear, but other conditions can cause it. Your surgeon combines it with other tests and your symptoms.

Why does pain on the inside of my knee get worse on stairs?

Stairs load the inner side of the knee, which can irritate a torn meniscus or worn cartilage. An examination helps tell these apart.