Types of Meniscal Tears Inside the knee, protective cartilage, such as the articular and meniscal cartilage, cushion and stabilise the joints. The articular cartilage facilitates joint movement. The meniscal cartilage improves the knee’s load-bearing abilities. Meniscal tears are typically classified as acute traumatic or degenerative ones by doctors. 1. Acute traumatic tear Acute traumatic tears are most common in young athletes. When you injure your knee, you may hear a popping sound. Other signs of an acute traumatic tear are: - Locking or catching of the joint - Joint pain - Swelling 2. Degenerative tear A degenerative tear is caused by repeated stress on the cartilage, which weakens it. These tears develop gradually and are most common in middle-aged people. A chronic meniscal tear has symptoms that are similar to an acute tear. Learn more about the Melbourne Physiotherapy Treatment for Meniscus Tear