Medial meniscus

Medial Meniscus

The Medial Meniscus is a crescent-shaped fibrocartilaginous structure, which partly divides a joint cavity. It is one of two menisci of the knee, the other being the Lateral Meniscus. The medial meniscus is larger and more C-shaped than the lateral meniscus.

Anatomy

The medial meniscus is located in the knee joint, between the femur and the tibia. It is attached to the deep part of the medial collateral ligament and the joint capsule. Its peripheral, or outer, portion is thick and highly vascular, while the inner portion is thin and avascular.

Function

The primary function of the medial meniscus is to distribute weight across the knee joint during physical activities such as walking, running, and jumping. It also acts as a shock absorber, reducing the peak contact force experienced by the cartilage of the knee joint.

Injury and Treatment

Injuries to the medial meniscus, often referred to as meniscus tears, are common in sports and other physical activities. Treatment options for a torn medial meniscus include conservative management with physical therapy and, in more severe cases, surgical intervention.

See Also

• Knee
• Lateral Meniscus
• Meniscus Tear
• Physical Therapy