Meniscus tears

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Arthroscopy

Knee arthroscopy - series

Meniscal tears

Meniscus tears describes a tear in the shock-absorbing cartilage (meniscus) of the knee.

Tear - meniscus; Knee injury - meniscus; Cartilage tear

The meniscus is a C-shaped fibrous piece of cartilage which is found in certain joints and forms a buffer between the bones to protect the joint. The meniscus also serves as a shock-absorption system, assists in lubricating the joint, and limits the joint flexion and extension.

Meniscal tears are most commonly caused by twisting or over-flexing the joint.

Review Date: 05/31/2006
Reviewed By: Kevin B. Freedman, MD, MSCE, Sports Medicine, Orthopaedic Specialists, Bryn Mawr, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.