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Meniscus tears - Overview

Alternative Names

Tear - meniscus; Knee injury - meniscus; Knee cartilage tear

Definition of Meniscus tears:

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

Considerations:

The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage. Cartilage is found in certain joints and forms a buffer between the bones to protect the joint. The meniscus serves as a shock-absorption system, assists in lubricating the joint, and limits the ability to flex and extend the joint.

Causes:

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

Arthroscopy

Meniscal tears

Knee arthroscopy - series

Reviewed last on: 5/12/2008
Thomas N. Joseph, MD, Private Practice specializing in Orthopaedics, subspecialty Foot and Ankle, Camden Bone & Joint, Camden, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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