What is the main function of the meniscus?

The meniscus withstands many different forces such as shear, tension, and compression. It also plays a crucial role in load-bearing, load transmission, shock absorption, as well as lubrication and nutrition of articular cartilage [16, 30-33]. These multiple and complex functions require a specialized form.

Where is the meniscus located and what is its main purpose?

The Meniscus (also known as cartilage) is a fibrocartilage in the knee that has a very unique shape, design and purpose. The purpose of the meniscus is act as a shock absorber and space filler between the bones of the knee. The menisci are of a “C” shape which corresponds and is contoured to the surface of the femur.

What does the meniscus in knee do?

The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of tough, rubbery cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between your shinbone and thighbone. It can be torn if you suddenly twist your knee while bearing weight on it. A torn meniscus is one of the most common knee injuries.

How important is the meniscus?

The meniscus has an important function inside the knee as a shock absorber that helps distribute the load of the body. If the entire meniscus is removed, the rest of the joint gets overloaded and the knee is susceptible to arthritis. This is why the surgeon will save as much of the meniscus as possible.

Can you live without meniscus?

No need to miss out on an active life. Don’t give up on your knee. Even if you had your meniscus cartilage removed and no longer have the shock absorber in your knee; even if you have developed osteoarthritis and can barely walk without pain, there is still a chance that your knee can be restored.

How does a meniscus work?

Each meniscus acts as a natural cushion between the thighbone (femur) and shinbone (tibia). The two cushions prevent excess wear and tear inside the knee joint by keeping the ends of the two bones from rubbing together.

What part of the body is the meniscus?

The menisci — the medial meniscus and lateral meniscus – are crescent-shaped bands of thick, rubbery cartilage attached to the shinbone (tibia). They act as shock absorbers and stabilize the knee. The medial meniscus is on the inner side of the knee joint.

Is it worth having meniscus surgery?

Surgery may help you reduce the risk of other joint problems, such as osteoarthritis. There are no long-term studies to prove it, but many doctors believe that successful meniscus repair helps to evenly spread the stress placed on the knee joint.

What is the function of the meniscus in the knee?

Last Updated April 29, 2016by Howard J. Luks, MD. The function of a meniscus is to act as a shock absorber within the knee. We have two menisci. We have a medial meniscus on the inner side of our knee, and a lateral meniscus on the outer side of our knee.

What is the plural of the word meniscus?

The plural of meniscus is menisci and each knee has a pair of menisci, somewhat different in shape and in function, but both act as shock absorbers, accommodating the rounded femur to the flattened tibia.

Why does a meniscus appear on a liquid?

This is the downward or upward curve at the surface of a liquid in a container. Depending on how the molecules of the liquid interact, this curve may either be concave or convex. A meniscus occurs because of surface tension in the liquid and must be read at eye level.

Is the meniscus a disc or a crescent shaped structure?

[edit on Wikidata] A meniscus is a crescent-shaped fibrocartilaginous anatomical structure that, in contrast to an articular disc, only partly divides a joint cavity.

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