College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

What symptom is commonly associated with the presence of a meniscus injury in the knee?

1. Pain during passive flexion

2. Instability when walking

3. Locking or clicking sounds

4. Swelling immediately after the injury

The correct answer is: Locking or clicking sounds

Locking or clicking sounds are commonly associated with a meniscus injury in the knee due to the nature of the meniscus structure and its function within the joint. The meniscus acts as a cushion and stabilizer for the knee, and when it is torn, fragments can disrupt the normal movement of the joint. As the knee moves through its range of motion, these torn fragments can get caught, leading to sensations of locking or clicking. This symptom is particularly pronounced during activities that involve bending or twisting of the knee, where the mechanical interaction between the torn meniscal tissue and the surrounding structures becomes evident. Such sounds can indicate that the knee joint is not moving smoothly, which is a hallmark sign of meniscal pathology. Other possible symptoms associated with knee injuries, such as pain during passive flexion, instability when walking, or swelling immediately after injury, might occur with various knee injuries but are not specifically indicative of meniscus damage in the same way locking or clicking sounds are. While swelling can occur due to the body's inflammatory response and may be relevant in the context of a knee injury, it is not unique to meniscal injuries.