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The meniscus acts as a shock absorber between the end of the thigh bone (femur) and the top of the lower leg (tibia). Injuries to the meniscus can range in severity from a minor tear, complete disruption or a complex fragmentation of one or both of the menisci. Damage to the meniscus reduces the knee's ability to absorb shock or maintain correct positioning of the tibia and the femur.
Small tears do not always need to be treated surgically. Physical therapy and other non-surgical treatments may be used to help treat injuries that cause limited discomfort and do not affect the function of the knee.
Significant tears require arthroscopic surgery to remove or repair the torn meniscus.
A meniscal tear can result from a forceful twisting motion or repeated stress to the knee.
Untreated damage to the meniscus can lead to injury of the surrounding cartilage and joint surfaces as the bones begin to wear and move without proper support and positioning.
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