Torn Meniscus-torn knee cartilage not limited to athletes or sports.
Edited By: Carol C. Teitz, M.D.
Last updated Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Torn Meniscus - The menisci are pads between the femur and the tibia Torn Meniscus - Types of Meniscal Tears AboutWhat is torn meniscus-torn knee cartilage? The knee is made up of the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia ( leg
bone) which are held together by ligaments, and the patella (knee cap)
which lies in the Quadriceps muscle in the front of the knee.
Between the femur and the tibia are two pads, one on the medial
(inner) side of the knee and one on the lateral (outer) side of the
knee. Each of these pads is called a meniscus.
The meniscus is made of fibrocartilage which gives it a rubbery
texture. However within the meniscus there are also fibers of collagen
that help maintain the shape of the meniscus. The meniscus has blood
supply only at its outer attachments. Therefore, about 4/5 of a
meniscus has no blood supply and therefore cannot heal a tear.
The meniscus functions to improve the fit between the femur and the
tibia, to absorb shock and distribute load in the knee, and to help
move lubricating fluid around the knee.
The meniscus can tear either from trauma or from degeneration. What symptoms indicate that torn meniscus-torn knee cartilage needs immediate medical attention? A torn meniscus needs immediate attention
when it "locks" the knee. A knee is locked when it will neither
completely bend or completely straighten because something is caught
inside. Locking implies that the torn part of the meniscus has
displaced into a part of the knee where it doesn't belong or fit.
What are some common misconceptions (common misunderstandings or myths) about torn meniscus-torn knee cartilage? Some people think that only athletes can tear a meniscus. This is not
true. Even people who do not consider themselves "athletes" can tear a
meniscus. Some menisci (plural) tear during activities of daily living
such as getting in and out of a car or squatting. Menisci also tear
during participation in recreational activities such as skiing ,
dancing, or racquetball.Surgery for Torn Meniscus-torn knee cartilage at the University of Washington If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure, you can request an appointment using our online referrals website. To request a referral online, please click here. You can also call 206-543-1552 or 425-646-7777 to make an appointment.
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