October 7, 2025

What Is The Meniscus In The Knee

Q: Can a torn meniscus heal on its own?

It depends on the location of the tear. Tears in the outer third of the meniscus, which has a rich blood supply, may heal on their own or with conservative treatment. Tears in the inner two-thirds often require surgery as they lack adequate blood flow for healing.

Q: How many menisci are in each knee?

There are two menisci in each knee: the medial meniscus on the inside of the knee and the lateral meniscus on the outside.

Q: Is the meniscus the same as a ligament?

No. A meniscus is a piece of cartilage that acts as a cushion between bones within a joint. A ligament is a tough, fibrous band of connective tissue that connects bone to bone, providing stability to the joint.

Q: What is the most common cause of a meniscus tear?

Meniscus tears are commonly caused by forceful twisting or pivoting of the knee, which often occurs during sports. Degenerative tears can also happen in older adults from wear and tear over time with minimal trauma.

Learn about the meniscus, the C-shaped cartilage in the knee that acts as a shock absorber and stabilizer. Understand its function, location, and importance.

Have More Questions →

What Is the Meniscus?

The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of tough, rubbery cartilage that sits in the knee joint, acting as a cushion between the thigh bone (femur) and the shin bone (tibia). Each knee has two menisci: a medial meniscus on the inner side and a lateral meniscus on the outer side.

Section 2: The Primary Functions

The primary functions of the meniscus are to act as a shock absorber, distribute body weight evenly across the knee joint, and provide stability. It helps to lubricate the joint, reducing friction between the femur and tibia during movement.

Section 3: A Practical Example

Imagine jumping or running. When your foot hits the ground, a significant force travels up your leg. The menisci compress and spread this force out over a larger area, protecting the articular cartilage on the ends of your bones from damage and wear.

Section 4: Importance in Joint Health

A healthy meniscus is crucial for long-term knee health and pain-free movement. Damage to the meniscus, such as a tear, can lead to pain, swelling, instability, and an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis later in life because the cushioning effect is lost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a torn meniscus heal on its own?

How many menisci are in each knee?

Is the meniscus the same as a ligament?

What is the most common cause of a meniscus tear?