Anatomy

The menisci are two crescent shaped pieces of cartilage that sit between the thigh bone (femur) and the shin bone (tibia). It is of a rubbery consistency and acts as a ‘shock absorber’ to cushion and distribute weight in the joint preventing overloading and damage.

Meniscus tears are fairly common and are seen in all age ranges. In younger people, especially in those who play sports, injury often occurs when there is a sudden twist or change of direction. These movements place excessive load on the meniscus cartilage tearing it.

Meniscal tears also occur when the cartilage becomes less elastic with time, becoming stiff and weakened. Simple movements such as getting up from a chair may then lead to meniscal tears. This type of tear could signal the beginning of osteoarthritis.