Meniscal Pathology: Meniscus Anatomy

Abstract The menisci play a critical role in the function of the knee joint. Important functions of the menisci include load transmission, shock absorption, increasing joint congruity, joint lubrication and nutrition and proprioception. Together these functions provide a chondroprotective effect to the articular cartilage and contribute to the static and dynamic stability of the knee joint. After injury or when performing surgery on the knee, normal knee biomechanics and joint health are best preserved by restoring the normal anatomy of the menisci. The goal of this chapter is to help the reader better understand the anatomy of the menisci with an emphasis on the location of the clinically relevant bony and soft tissue attachment sites that can aid the surgeon in restoring the normal anatomy when repairing or replacing the meniscus.