Meniscus Health Dictionary

The hinge joint between the femur (thighbone) and tibia (shin). The patella (kneecap) lies across the front of the joint. Two protective discs of cartilage called menisci (see meniscus) cover the surfaces of the femur and tibia to reduce friction. Bursas (fluid-filled sacs) are present above and below the patella and behind the knee. External ligaments on each side of the joint provide support. Cruciate ligaments within the joint prevent overstraightening and overbending of the knee. The quadriceps muscles on the front of the thigh straighten the knee; the hamstring muscles at the back of the thigh bend it.

Knee injuries are common.

They include ligament sprains, torn meniscus, dislocation of the patella, and fracture of any of the bones in the joint.

Chondromalacia patellae is common in adolescents.... knee

A surgical procedure in which all or part of a damaged meniscus (cartilage disc) is removed from a joint, almost always from the knee. Meniscectomy may be carried out when damage to the meniscus causes the knee to lock or to give way repeatedly. The procedure cures these symptoms and reduces the likelihood of premature osteoarthritis in the joint.

Arthroscopy may be carried out to confirm and locate the damage, and the damaged area removed by instruments passed through the arthroscope.

Alternatively, the meniscus may be removed through an incision at the side of the patella (kneecap).

In either case, there may be an increased risk of osteoarthritis in later life, but this is less than if the damaged meniscus had been left in place.... meniscectomy