Meniscus or Semilunar cartilage, it is a fibrocartilagenous disc. There are two meniscus in number so called as menisci. They are shaped like crescents. It is present in the knee joint between femur (thigh bone) and tibia (leg bone).
The medial meniscus is nearly semicircular, being wider behind than in front. The posterior fibers of the anterior end are continuous with the transverse ligament. It’s peripheral margin is adherent to the deep part of the tibial collateral ligament.
The lateral meniscus is nearly circular. The posterior end of the meniscus is attached to the medial condyle of femur through two meniscofemoral ligaments. The tendon of the popliteus and the capsule separate this meniscus from the fibular collateral ligament. The more medial part of the tendon of popliteus is attached to the lateral meniscus. The mobility of the posterior end of this meniscus is controlled by the popliteus and by the two meniscofemoral ligaments.
Because of the attachments of the menisci to multiple structures, the motion of the menisci is limited to a great extent. Out of the two menisci, the medial meniscus has more firm attachments to the tibia.
Functions :
- They help in making the articular surface more congruent. Because of their flexibility they can adapt their contour to the varing curvature of the different part of the femoral condyles, as the latter glide over the tibia.
- The menisci serve as shock absorbers.
- They help in lubricating the joint cavity.
- Because of their nerve supply, they also have a sensory function. They give rise to proprioceptive impulses.
Surgical Management :
- Menisectomy / Meniscus trimming : surgically removal of small torn part of meniscus, leaving behind 60 – 70 % of meniscus.
2. Meniscus Stitching : the torn meniscus is stitched and repaired. If proper post operative care and strengthning is not done then there is a risk of re-tear.
3. Combination surgery : in this kind of surgery both meniscus stitching and any ligament (ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL) reconstruction surgery is done together.