Educational use only. This page organizes symptoms, examination findings, and function limits into a discussion-ready score. It does not diagnose a tear or replace in-person medical care.
Calculator Inputs
Example Data Table
| Case | Age | Mechanism | Key positives | Illustrative score | Illustrative band |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Case A | 24 | Twist during football | Joint line tenderness, delayed swelling, positive McMurray, catching | 72 | High pattern match |
| Case B | 52 | Gradual pain after squatting | Deep squat pain, recurrent swelling, positive Thessaly | 58 | High pattern match |
| Case C | 36 | Direct blow | Diffuse pain, no locking, negative special tests | 19 | Low pattern match |
| Case D | 29 | Pivot with locked knee | True locking, extension block, severe functional loss | 88 | Very high pattern match |
Formula Used
This calculator uses an internal weighted screening index. It adds history points, symptom points, examination points, and function points, then caps the total at 100.
| Component | Included inputs | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| History | Mechanism, pain location pattern, pop at onset, age-pattern context | 0 to 24 |
| Symptoms | Twisting pain, squat pain, clicking, locking, swelling, effusion, giving way | 0 to 55 |
| Examination | Joint line tenderness, McMurray, Thessaly, combined finding bonus | 0 to 46 |
| Function | Pain scale, extension loss, flexion limit, weight-bearing difficulty, activity limit | 0 to 38 |
| Total score | History + Symptoms + Examination + Function | Capped at 100 |
Band guide: 0 to 24 low, 25 to 49 moderate, 50 to 74 high, and 75 to 100 very high pattern match.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter age and symptom duration.
- Select the most accurate injury mechanism or onset pattern.
- Add symptom details such as locking, swelling, clicking, and twisting pain.
- Enter available examination findings only when known.
- Record function loss using pain level, motion limits, and weight-bearing difficulty.
- Submit the form to view the score above the calculator.
- Use the chart, summary, and export buttons for documentation.
- Bring the result to a clinician if symptoms persist, worsen, or limit function.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Can this calculator diagnose a meniscus tear?
No. It organizes symptoms, function loss, and available exam findings into a structured score. Diagnosis still depends on clinician assessment and the wider clinical picture.
2) What does a high score mean?
A high score means several selected features cluster around a meniscal pattern. It does not prove a tear, but it does strengthen the case for clinical review.
3) Why are McMurray and Thessaly included?
They are common provocative examination tests used in knee assessment. This page gives them extra weight only when a positive finding is entered.
4) What is the difference between traumatic and degenerative patterns?
Traumatic patterns lean toward a clear twist, pivot, or loaded bend. Degenerative patterns lean toward gradual symptoms or pain triggered by routine squatting and rising.
5) What should I do if the knee feels truly locked?
Do not rely on this calculator alone. A locked knee is flagged by the tool as urgent and should be assessed in person promptly.
6) Can I use the score to track improvement?
Yes. Repeating the same inputs over time can help show whether pain, motion, swelling, and function are improving or worsening during recovery.
7) Why does osteoarthritis matter here?
Osteoarthritis can overlap with meniscal-style symptoms. The tool adds a note so the result is interpreted more carefully when arthritis is already known.
8) What if my score is low but my knee still hurts?
A low score does not rule out injury. Persistent pain, swelling, weakness, or difficulty walking still deserves appropriate medical evaluation.