Category: Physiotherapy tips

Each meniscus is divided into three sections the anterior horn, the body, and the posterior horn.

The meniscus is then further classified into thirds , being the outer third, middle third and inner third.

When describing meniscal tears, especially based on MRI findings and/or arthroscopic findings, they will usually make reference to the following descriptions:

LOCATION: The tear may be located in the anterior horn, body or posterior horn of the meniscus and may not be exclusive to one area but cross two or three areas. Tears are most common in the posterior horn.

It will then be classified further into which third the tear is located – the outer third, middle third or inner third. Once again the tear may cross over more than one third. This classification is important as will assist in determining the ability of the tear to heal since the blood supply is critical in the healing process, hence tears in the outer third have the best chance of healing.

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The knee joint is made up of three bones, the femur (thigh bone), the tibia (shin bone) and the patella (knee cap). The knee joint is a hinge joint allowing two principal actions flexion (bending) and extension (straightening). The meniscus is “C shaped” discs made of tough cartilage called fibrocartilage. They are located on the tibial plateau (top surface of the tibia) between the tibia (shin bone) and the femur (thigh bone).

There is a lateral meniscus which is located on the outside of the knee joint, and a medial meniscus located on the inside of the knee joint. The meniscus plays a role in joint stability by creating a cup for the femur to sit in, and also act as a shock absorber for the knee by spreading compression forces from the femur over a wider area on the tibia. This function helps to protect the underlying joint surface cartilage that lines the bone surfaces from wearing out and developing degenerative arthritis.

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