Meniscal Tear

The meniscus, or meniscal cartilage is a wedge-like rubbery cushion that sits between the two major bones (femur and tibia) of the leg and prevents them from grinding against each other. It works as a strong stabilizing tissue to help the knee joint carry weight, glide and turn in many directions. It is shaped like the letter “C”, curving at the inside and the outside of each knee and is one of the most commonly injured parts of the knee.

The meniscus can tear in a number of ways. People who play football or other contact sports may tear the meniscus by twisting the knee, pivoting, cutting or decelerating. In athletes, meniscal tears often happen in combination with other injuries such as a torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament). Older people can injure the meniscus without any trauma. The meniscal cartilage weakens and wears thin over time and may result in a degenerative tear.