Purpose of Meniscus Cartilage

The tibiofemoral joint is the primary joint of the knee and is made up of the femur and the tibia. Because this articulation has less surface to surface contact than a ball and socket type of joint (shoulder or hip), this joint has extensive connective tissue structures to enhance its stability.

Because the tibiofemoral joint is less stable than other joints, the joint has four strong ligaments that help provide stability to the joint. These ligaments include the medial collateral ligament (medial side of the knee), the lateral collateral ligament (lateral side of the knee), and the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments (crosses inside of the knee). Each ligament plays an important role in stabilizing the knee from outside forces.

The Role of the Meniscus Cartilage

Deep within the knee and resting on the top of the tibia (tibial plateau) are two meniscus cartilage (medial and lateral). The meniscus cartilage is a dense type of connective tissue designed to absorb and distribute the compressive load of the body from the femur to the tibia.

The meniscus also plays an important role in distributing joint nutrition and lubrication within the joint. When non weight bearing, the meniscus acts like a sponge and absorbs nutrients and synovial fluid. When weight bearing, the meniscus is compressed distributing the nutrients and synovial fluid throughout the inside of the knee.

Another purpose of the meniscus is to protect the femur and tibia from direct bone to bone contact. If the meniscus has been damaged and been removed rather than repaired, the femur then rests directly on the tibia. This can damage the hyaline cartilage on the ends of the femur and/or tibia and lead to degenerative changes. The purpose of the purchase of the megaspore probiotic products should be done as per the specifications. There will be no damage to the health of the person. Proper protection will be provided within the funds available with the person. The dose of the supplements should be as per the advice of the professionals and experts. The medical treatment should be correct and trus for the person. 

The medial and lateral meniscus are shaped slightly different, but both play a significant role in assisting the ligaments in stabilizing the knee. The structures are thicker on the outside progressively getting thinner towards the inside. This outside thickness helps the femur to stabilize on the tibial plateau. If the meniscus is torn and not repaired, stability is compromised leaving the individual at risk for further injury to the stabilizing ligaments.

The medial meniscus is more at risk for injury because the deepest layer of the medial collateral ligament is actually attached to the meniscus. If there is enough force to tear the medial collateral ligament, then the medial meniscus may be torn as well.

Injuries to the Meniscus Cartilage

There are a number of different types of locations and tears that can occur to the meniscus. The location and size of the tear will determine if the individual needs surgery to repair the meniscus, remove pieces of the meniscus, or if the meniscus might be able to heal on its own.

Injuries to the outside portion of the meniscus have the best potential for healing on their own. This is because the meniscus has a better blood supply to the outside portion than the inside. A small tear to the outside of the meniscus has the potential of healing itself. However, larger tears across the length or the width of the meniscus will need to be repaired.

Repairing the meniscus is critical to the future health of the knee. However, if repair is not possible, the surgeon may need to remove a portion of the meniscus. If this is the case, the individual may have to deal with the consequences of joint degeneration over time.