What are menisci Semilunar?

A meniscus is a crescent-shaped fibrocartilaginous anatomical structure that, in contrast to an articular disc, only partly divides a joint cavity. In humans they are present in the knee, wrist, acromioclavicular, sternoclavicular, and temporomandibular joints; in other animals they may be present in other joints.

What is a menisci anatomy?

The quick answer is the meniscus is a C-shaped piece of soft and fibrous cartilage, also known as fibrocartilage, that provides shock absorption and cushion to your knee. It is also wedge-shaped which improves joint congruency, further adding to knee stability.

Can you walk with a detached meniscus?

You may still be able to stand and walk after the initial injury with only a bit of pain depending on the severity of the tear. That can make you think a meniscus tear is a minor injury.

What happens if meniscus is left untreated?

An untreated meniscus tear can result in the frayed edge getting caught in the joint, causing pain and swelling. It can also result in long term knee problems such as arthritis and other soft tissue damage.

How do you know if your meniscus is damaged?

Swelling or stiffness. Pain, especially when twisting or rotating your knee. Difficulty straightening your knee fully. Feeling as though your knee is locked in place when you try to move it.

What is the function of menisci?

The menisci of the knee joint are crescent-shaped wedges of fibrocartilage that provide increased stability to the femorotibial articulation, distribute axial load, absorb shock, and provide lubrication to the knee joint.

What should I avoid with a torn meniscus?

The patient should avoid pivoting and squatting and should work on keeping the quadriceps muscles strong. If the swelling and pain have not resolved in 6 weeks, they usually won’t without surgical intervention.

What are the two treatments for a meniscus tear?

Conservative treatment — such as rest, ice and medication — is sometimes enough to relieve the pain of a torn meniscus and give the injury time to heal on its own. In other cases, however, a torn meniscus requires surgical repair.

Which meniscus is more mobile?

lateral meniscus
The lateral meniscus, on the outside of the knee, is more circular in shape. The lateral meniscus is more mobile than the medial meniscus as there is no attachment to the lateral collateral ligament or joint capsule. The outer edges of each meniscus attach to the tibia by the short coronary ligaments.