Meniscus

Question 1

What are the two rings of fibrocartilage in the knee called?

Answer 1

Menisci

Menisci provide cushioning between the femur and the tibia.

Question 2

What shape does the lateral meniscus form?

Answer 2

Almost complete ring

The lateral meniscus contrasts with the C-shaped medial meniscus.

Question 3

What shape is the medial meniscus?

Answer 3

C-shaped

The medial meniscus is more C-shaped compared to the lateral meniscus.

Question 4

Are the menisci easily repaired when torn?

Answer 4

No

The menisci are susceptible to tears and do not self-repair easily.

Question 5

What does the term ‘menisci’ refer to?

Answer 5

Half-moon or meniscal configuration

The menisci may also be referred to as semilunar cartilages.

Question 6

In which conditions are intra-articular discs found?

Answer 6

Three conditions:
* Large degree of rotation about an axis perpendicular to the articular surface
* Flat articular surfaces
* Forces across a joint bringing the two surfaces together in a rotatory movement

These conditions facilitate the presence of intra-articular discs.

Question 7

What is one function of the menisci in the knee joint?

Answer 7

Increase the congruence between the articular surfaces of the femur and tibia

Question 8

How do the menisci contribute to joint function?

Answer 8

Participate in weight-bearing across the joint

Question 9

What role do the menisci play in protecting the knee?

Answer 9

Act as shock absorbers

Question 10

What function do the menisci serve related to joint lubrication?

Answer 10

Aid lubrication

Question 11

What mechanism do the menisci participate in within the knee joint?

Answer 11

Participate in the locking mechanism

Question 12

True or False: The higher vascularity of the young meniscus results in a reduced tendency to injury.

Answer 12

False

Question 13

The medial meniscus is anchored to which ligament?

Answer 13

Medial collateral ligament

Question 14

The lateral meniscus is attached to which side of the knee joint?

Answer 14

Weak fibers of the lateral side

Question 15

What is the shape of the medial meniscus?

Answer 15

Semicircular

The medial meniscus is larger than the lateral meniscus.

Question 16

Where is the anterior horn of the medial meniscus attached?

Answer 16

Anterior part of the intercondylar area on the tibia immediately in front of the ACL

This attachment is crucial for its stability and function.

Question 17

What are the posterior fibres of the medial meniscus continuous with?

Answer 17

Transverse ligament of the knee

This continuity helps in the stability of the knee joint.

Question 18

Where does the posterior horn of the medial meniscus attach?

Answer 18

Posterior intercondylar area between the PCL and posterior horn of the lateral meniscus

This location is important for the knee joint’s structural integrity.

Question 19

What attaches to the entire periphery of the medial meniscus?

Answer 19

Joint capsule

This attachment allows for the meniscus to function effectively within the knee joint.

Question 20

What fraction of a circle does the lateral meniscus form?

Answer 20

Four-fifths

This shape contributes to its function in load distribution.

Question 21

How is the breadth of the lateral meniscus described?

Answer 21

Uniform breadth throughout

This uniformity contrasts with the variable shape of the medial meniscus.

Question 22

Where are the two horns of the lateral meniscus attached?

Answer 22

Close together, anterior horn attaching in front of the intercondylar eminence posterolateral to the ACL

This positioning is important for the meniscus’s interaction with the ACL.

Question 23

What happens to the lateral meniscus as it rests on the tibial condyle?

Answer 23

Twisted upwards and backwards

This twist accommodates the sloping nature of the bone.

Question 24

Where does the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus attach?

Answer 24

Behind the intercondylar eminence anterior to the posterior horn of the medial meniscus

This attachment is critical for proper knee function.

Question 25

What tendon grooves the lateral meniscus posterolaterally?

Answer 25

Tendon of popliteus

This tendon contributes additional support to the meniscus.