MENISCUS TEAR

The meniscus is a cartilage structure in the knee that acts as a shock absorber.  The meniscus is located in the knee joint between the femur (thigh) and tibia (shin).  There are two meniscus structures in the knee, one on the inside of the knee (medial meniscus), and one on the outside of the knee (lateral meniscus).  The meniscus helps evenly distribute body weight across the top of the tibia (shin) and also acts as a stabilizing structure of the knee joint.

Meniscus tears result from an acute traumatic event (athletic activity, a sudden twisting or turning motion or a fall) or from wear and tear over time without an injury (degenerative tear).  Symptoms include joint line pain, swelling, pain with twisting or turning of the knee and pain with knee extension.

Depending on the size and location of the meniscus tear and the age of the patient, treatment options for meniscus tears include removing the torn piece of meniscus tissue or repairing the torn meniscus.