What is a lateral meniscus tear?
The knee joint comprises of the union of two bones: the long bone of the thigh (femur) and the shin bone (tibia) (figure 1). Between the bone ends are 2 round discs made of cartilage called the medial (inner) and lateral (outer) meniscus (figure 1). Each meniscus acts as a shock absorber cushioning the impact of the femur on the tibia during weight-bearing activity. Normally the surface of the meniscus is very smooth allowing easy movement of the femur on the tibia. Occasionally the meniscus can be torn or damaged so that the surface is no longer smooth. When this occurs to the lateral meniscus, it is known as a lateral meniscus tear. Injuries to the lateral meniscus are less common than medial meniscus injuries. Lateral meniscal tears can occur suddenly due to too much weight bearing or twisting force going through the meniscus beyond what it can withstand, or gradually due to repetitive or prolonged weight bearing or twisting forces. Injuries to the lateral meniscus occasionally occu
The knee joint comprises of the union of two bones: the long bone of the thigh (femur) and the shin bone (tibia) (figure 1). Between the bone ends are 2 round discs made of cartilage called the medial (inner) and lateral (outer) meniscus (figure 1). Each meniscus acts as a shock absorber cushioning the impact of the femur on the tibia during weight-bearing activity. Normally the surface of the meniscus is very smooth allowing easy movement of the femur on the tibia. Occasionally the meniscus can be torn or damaged so that the surface is no longer smooth. When this occurs to the lateral meniscus, it is known as a lateral meniscus tear. Injuries to the lateral meniscus are less common than medial meniscus injuries. Lateral meniscal tears can occur suddenly due to too much weight bearing or twisting force going through the meniscus beyond what it can withstand, or gradually due to repetitive or prolonged weight bearing or twisting forces. Injuries to the lateral meniscus occasionally occu
