Meniscus Flashcards
What are the two rings of fibrocartilage in the knee called?
Menisci
Menisci provide cushioning between the femur and the tibia.
What shape does the lateral meniscus form?
Almost complete ring
The lateral meniscus contrasts with the C-shaped medial meniscus.
What shape is the medial meniscus?
C-shaped
The medial meniscus is more C-shaped compared to the lateral meniscus.
Are the menisci easily repaired when torn?
No
The menisci are susceptible to tears and do not self-repair easily.
What does the term ‘menisci’ refer to?
Half-moon or meniscal configuration
The menisci may also be referred to as semilunar cartilages.
In which conditions are intra-articular discs found?
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.
What is one function of the menisci in the knee joint?
Increase the congruence between the articular surfaces of the femur and tibia
How do the menisci contribute to joint function?
Participate in weight-bearing across the joint
What role do the menisci play in protecting the knee?
Act as shock absorbers
What function do the menisci serve related to joint lubrication?
Aid lubrication
What mechanism do the menisci participate in within the knee joint?
Participate in the locking mechanism
True or False: The higher vascularity of the young meniscus results in a reduced tendency to injury.
False
The medial meniscus is anchored to which ligament?
Medial collateral ligament
The lateral meniscus is attached to which side of the knee joint?
Weak fibers of the lateral side
What is the shape of the medial meniscus?
Semicircular
The medial meniscus is larger than the lateral meniscus.
Where is the anterior horn of the medial meniscus attached?
Anterior part of the intercondylar area on the tibia immediately in front of the ACL
This attachment is crucial for its stability and function.
What are the posterior fibres of the medial meniscus continuous with?
Transverse ligament of the knee
This continuity helps in the stability of the knee joint.
Where does the posterior horn of the medial meniscus attach?
Posterior intercondylar area between the PCL and posterior horn of the lateral meniscus
This location is important for the knee joint’s structural integrity.
What attaches to the entire periphery of the medial meniscus?
Joint capsule
This attachment allows for the meniscus to function effectively within the knee joint.
What fraction of a circle does the lateral meniscus form?
Four-fifths
This shape contributes to its function in load distribution.
How is the breadth of the lateral meniscus described?
Uniform breadth throughout
This uniformity contrasts with the variable shape of the medial meniscus.
Where are the two horns of the lateral meniscus attached?
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.
What happens to the lateral meniscus as it rests on the tibial condyle?
Twisted upwards and backwards
This twist accommodates the sloping nature of the bone.
Where does the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus attach?
Behind the intercondylar eminence anterior to the posterior horn of the medial meniscus
This attachment is critical for proper knee function.
What tendon grooves the lateral meniscus posterolaterally?
Tendon of popliteus
This tendon contributes additional support to the meniscus.
