The meniscus of the knee
By Jack Nuske
2023
Traumatic meniscus injuries are quite common in sports that require rapid change of direction, where the knee is twisted while bearing weight. If we look at the knee, there are the medial and lateral menisci which are situated within the knee joint capsule. They act to help with absorbing forces that are placed through the knee in activities like running or landing.
An injury to these shock absorbers can affect how the knee joint moves, sometimes causing locking or catching during movement. One important feature of the menisci is that they mostly have limited or no blood supply, which means that the capacity for these structures to heal is reduced. It is important to seek out professional advice if you believe you has sustained an injury to your knee and experience symptoms of locking or catching as the treatment pathway is highly dependent on the type and location of meniscal injury.
While some meniscal injuries require surgery to repair or remove damaged tissue, others can be conservatively managed with physiotherapy. The management typically involves avoiding compromising/aggravating activities, strengthening the muscles of the knee and improve knee control in a full range of motion. The major goal is ensuring a safe return to sport or activities not possible when first injuring your knee.
Instagram
Social | News
