Knee typically feels like it is going to buckle or give out
Meniscus tear (limited knee range of motion with catching/locking, pain when standing and twisting on the injured leg)
Typically produce joint swelling and sharp or aching pain when bending, straightening or twisting.
Limited knee range of motion with catching/locking and instability or feeling like the knee will give way or buckle.
Typically hear a “pop” when the meniscus tears
Ligament tear (ACL, MCL, LCL, PCL)
Typically produce joint swelling, knee instability and pain when standing on injured leg, walking down stairs.
ACL and PCL: internal knee pain, pain in the back of the knee and deep
MCL and LCL: pain reproduces while touching the ligamentous structures due to them being located inside and outside the knee joint
Knee cap dislocation
Audible pop followed by intense, sharp pain
Knee swells and weight bearing is difficult
After the joint moves back into original position: dull, achy pain is often present
