What Is the Meniscus in the Knee?

The meniscus is a C-shaped section of cartilage placed in the knee joint that absorbs stress, distributes load, and improves movement stability. An overview of meniscal tears' structure, functions, typical injuries, and available treatments is given in this article. It also highlights the importance of maintaining meniscal health through preventive measures and appropriate recovery following an injury.

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Functions 

The meniscus in the knee joint plays several crucial roles.

• Meniscus function: When walking, running, jumping, or squatting, the meniscus helps distribute the weight and forces through the knee joint. By acting as a shock absorber, it lessens the force applied to the cartilage and bones.
• Joint Stability: By strengthening the deeper contact between the femur and tibia, the meniscus contributes to increased stability of the knee joint. Enhancing the congruence between the two bones lowers the chance of instability or dislocation.
• Lubrication: The meniscus produces synovial fluid, which lubricates the joint surfaces. Because of the lubrication, motion between the bones can be painless and smooth.
• Joint Nutrition: The meniscus's mobility facilitates the exchange of waste products and nutrients in the knee joint. This process keeps the surrounding cartilage and other components healthy and functional.
• Shock Absorption: During weight-bearing exercises, the meniscus acts as a cushion, absorbing and spreading impact pressures. It helps shield the articular cartilage from excessive stress and protects the underlying bone.

The meniscus is essential to preserving the knee joint's general stability, functionality, and health. Its operations are necessary for safe transportation, equitable weight distribution, and injury prevention.

Composition and Structure

The meniscus is composed of fibrocartilage, a type of connective tissue. Collagen fibers and proteoglycans work together to give fibrocartilage its strength and flexibility.

The meniscus's structure can be categorized into three primary zones:

• Outer Zone: The meniscus's outer zone, also known as the "red-red zone," is highly vascularized. It has a good blood supply and is situated nearer the joint capsule. If hurt, the best chance of recovery is in this area.
• Middle Zone: The meniscus's red-white zone, or middle zone, receives a modest amount of blood flow. It's situated halfway between the inner and outer zones. Compared to the outside zone, this area's capacity for healing is somewhat restricted.
• Inner Zone: The meniscus's inner zone, also called the white-white zone, is either wholly or weakly vascularized. Its blood supply is inadequate, limiting its ability to heal. Surgical intervention may be necessary for injuries to this region.

The body and the horns are the two main components of the C-shaped meniscus.

• Body: The meniscus's bigger, central section, which rests between the tibia and femur, is known as the body. It gradually gets thinner toward the inner edge of the thicker outer border.
• Horns: The projections at the extremities of the body are called meniscus horns. Whereas the posterior horns are found toward the back of the knee, the anterior horns are found toward the front. The horns provide the knee joint with greater stability and help secure the meniscus to the tibia.

The meniscus's composition and structure enable it to disperse loads, absorb shocks, and endure compressive forces inside the knee joint. However, a region's ability to heal might be impacted by a restricted blood supply, making injuries there more difficult to heal.

Common Injuries

• Meniscal Tears: Among the most common meniscus injuries, these can result from abrupt changes in direction or from violent twisting, both of which are frequent in sports. The rip may form as a bucket handle, radial, longitudinal, or horizontal tear.
• Degenerative Tears: Even with minor stress, the meniscus can deteriorate and become more prone to ripping as people age.
• Traumatic Tears: These tears, which are frequently observed in contact sports or accidents, are caused by a direct hit or force.
• Meniscal Cysts: These cysts can arise from a tear or from underlying deterioration within the meniscus.
• Meniscal Root Tears: These tears happen where the meniscus attaches to the tibia, which can cause instability and change how weight is distributed across the knee joint.
• Complex Tears: These involve multiple tear patterns and are frequently associated with substantial knee pain and dysfunction.

If you have injured your meniscus, get medical help right away. A correct diagnosis and treatment plan can help prevent further damage and speed healing.

Treatment Options 

Meniscal tears can be treated with several options depending on their location and severity, as well as other factors such as age, activity level, and general health. Typical therapy alternatives include the following:

• Rest and Ice: Using ice and resting the affected knee may help reduce discomfort and swelling.
• Physical therapy: A physical therapist can provide exercises to increase range of motion and strengthen the muscles around the knee joint.
• NSAIDs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are pharmaceuticals that can reduce inflammation and discomfort.
• Knee Bracing: A hinged knee brace can help stabilize and support the injured knee joint.
• Arthroscopic Surgery: Depending on the situation, surgery may be required to repair or replace the torn meniscus. Minimally invasive procedures are usually used for this operation, which enables quicker recovery times.
• Meniscus Transplant: A meniscus transplant may be required in rare circumstances where a significant piece of the meniscus has been removed. During this treatment, a donor meniscus is used to replace the injured meniscus.

A healthcare professional can offer advice on the best course of action. The most suitable treatment approach will depend on each patient's specific circumstances. Following treatment, physical therapy and rehabilitation are frequently advised to help regain full function and avoid further injuries.

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Reference

Knee Meniscus and Cartilage - Anatomy and Function

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