The medial meniscus (internal semilunar fibrocartilage) is nearly semicircular in form, a little elongated from before backward, and broader behind than in front; its anterior end, thin and pointed, is attached to the anterior intercondyloid fossa of the tibia, in front of the anterior cruciate ligament; its posterior end is fixed to the posterior intercondyloid fossa of the tibia, between the attachments of the lateral meniscus and the posterior cruciate ligament.

The medial meniscus, along with the lateral meniscus separate the tibia and fibula and serve as shock absorbers in the knee. They also prevent friction between the two bones to allow smooth movement in the knee.

Injury

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Injury to the medial meniscus fairly often accompanies an injury to the ACL or anterior cruciate ligament. As with much cartilage, the medial meniscus is slow to heal. Damage to the outer 1/3 of the meniscus will often fully heal, but the inner 2/3 of the medial meniscus has a limited blood supply and thus limited healing ability. Large tears to the outer portions of the meniscus may be repaired surgically. If the meniscus has to be removed because of injury (either because it cannot heal or because the damage is too severe) the patient has an increased risk of arthritis in the knee later in life.^*

See also

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• Meniscus (anatomy)
• Cartilage

External links

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