What is the main function of menisci?
The menisci increase stability for femorotibial articulation, distribute axial load, absorb shock, and provide lubrication and nutrition to the knee joint.
What is the importance of the fibrocartilaginous menisci?
Knee menisci, the C-shaped fibrocartilage located between the femur and tibia cartilage, are important for load-bearing and shock-absorption in the joint and for keeping the joint stable.
What are the two functions of the menisci?
Function. The menisci act to disperse the weight of the body and reduce friction during movement. Since the condyles of the femur and tibia meet at one point (which changes during flexion and extension), the menisci spread the load of the body’s weight.
What are menisci and why are they important?
The menisci are two crescent-shaped pads of cartilage that sit inside each knee joint. They play an important role in stabilizing the knee, easing movement of the knee joint, and absorbing shock from walking and other weight bearing activities. A meniscus injury is a tear in one of the menisci.
What are the 3 roles of the meniscus?
The shape and attachments of the menisci allow unique mobility throughout a normal range of knee motion, which aid in joint stability and accommodates the large range of motion at the knee joint. Additional functions include lubrication, nutrition, and proprioception.
Which meniscus is more important?
The lateral meniscus is even more important than the medial meniscus for shock absorption. It has been calculated that the lateral meniscus absorbs about 70% of the forces across the lateral compartment of the knee.
Which meniscus is more prone to injury?
The medial meniscus is more vulnerable to injury to due to its intimate attachment to the medial collateral ligament. The moveable lateral meniscus is less prone to tear except when the ACL is injured.
How does the meniscus stabilize the knee?
Essentially, menisci serve as cushions to decrease the stress caused by weight bearing and forces on the knees. They work like shock absorbers, supporting the load by compressing and spreading the weight evenly within the knee.
Which is worse a medial or lateral meniscus tear?
However, it is well known that if a lateral meniscus is taken out, the consequences are almost always worse than having a medial meniscus resected.
What type of meniscus tear requires surgery?
Grade 3 meniscus tears usually require surgery, which may include: Arthroscopic repair — An arthroscope is inserted into the knee to see the tear. One or two other small incisions are made for inserting instruments.
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.