The Tibial Meniscus refers to a critical structure located within the knee joint. It is a C-shaped, fibrocartilaginous disc that sits between the tibia (shinbone) and femur (thighbone) in the knee. The meniscus is responsible for several vital functions within the joint, including load distribution, shock absorption, joint stability, and lubrication.
Anatomically, there are two tibial menisci in each knee: the medial and lateral menisci. The medial meniscus is positioned on the inner side of the knee, while the lateral meniscus is located on the outer side. These structures play a crucial role in maintaining the stability of the knee joint, helping to prevent excessive movement or displacement of the femur relative to the tibia.
The tibial menisci act as cushions, absorbing forces and minimizing the stress on the cartilage, ligaments, and bones of the knee during activities such as walking, running, jumping, and pivoting. Without the menisci, the joint would be more susceptible to wear and tear, degeneration, and injury.
However, the tibial menisci are not immune to damage themselves. They can be subjected to tears or injuries due to sudden twisting movements, excessive stress, or degenerative changes. In such cases, symptoms such as pain, swelling, joint locking, and decreased range of motion may occur. Treatment options for meniscal injuries vary depending on the severity, with conservative measures like rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications often employed for mild cases, while more severe situations may require surgical intervention, such as a meniscus repair or partial meniscectomy.
