What is the structure and function of the meniscus?

What is the structure and function of the meniscus?

Structure. The menisci of the knee are two pads of fibrocartilaginous tissue which serve to disperse friction in the knee joint between the lower leg (tibia) and the thigh (femur). They are concave on the top and flat on the bottom, articulating with the tibia.

Why does the meniscus not heal quickly if damaged or torn?

This is because this area has rich blood supply and blood cells can regenerate meniscus tissue — or help it heal after surgical repair. But if the tear is in the inner two-thirds, which lack blood flow, the tear cannot be repaired and may need to be trimmed or removed surgically.

Can a knee function without meniscus?

Without a meniscus, you might gradually develop knee pain and arthritis of your joint. Replacing your meniscus may provide significant pain relief. It may also help prevent arthritis in your joint. This can develop when your cartilage becomes frayed and rough.

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.

What is the main function of the meniscus?

The menisci of the knee joint are crescent-shaped wedges of fibrocartilage that provide increased stability to the femorotibial articulation, distribute axial load, absorb shock, and provide lubrication to the knee joint.

Can you fully recover from a meniscus tear?

Meniscus tears are the most frequently treated knee injuries. Recovery will take about 6 to 8 weeks if your meniscus tear is treated conservatively, without surgery.

Is a torn meniscus a permanent injury?

Left unrepaired, a meniscus injury can linger for years, causing pain and limited mobility. An unrepaired meniscus tear increases the risks of further injury and permanent damage to the knee. Meniscus injuries are typically the result of a quick twist to the knee.

What makes up the meniscus of the knee?

What Is the Meniscus? The meniscus is a crescent-shaped structure composed of cartilage that functions to distribute body weight evenly across the three bones that make up the knee joint: the thigh bone, shin bone, and knee cap.

What happens to the meniscus when it is damaged?

The menisci also cushion any impact between the thigh bone and shin bone when walking, jumping, or running. If the meniscus is damaged, body weight will be distributed unevenly, forcing unequal stress to the thigh and shin bones.

What is the function of the musculature around the knee?

Connective tissues surrounding the tibiofemoral joint not only guide these movements but also stabilize the articulation, as well as absorb and transmit forces. The surrounding musculature adds another critical element of stability and shock absorption across the knee.

Are there muscles in the medial compartment of the knee?

There are several different muscles that attach above or below the medial compartment of the knee. They include: 2 Adductor magnus muscle: This muscle runs along the side of the leg and inserts near a boney bump called the adductor tubercle on the medial femoral condyle.

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