Meniscus Injuries
What is a meniscus?
The meniscus is a half-moon shaped piece of soft and fibrous cartilage, also known as fibrocartilage, that provides shock absorption and cushion to your knee. It is also wedge-shaped which improves joint congruency, further adding to knee stability.
What is the function of a meniscus?
- Increase congruence between femur and tibia
- Act as a shock absorber
- Aid lubrication
- Assist with locking mechanism of the knee
How is a meniscus injured?
- When the knee is bent, compressed and rotated
- Over time the meniscus's ability to resist forces decreases
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What happens if I have a meniscus injury? Physiotherapists will do an assessment which may involve:
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Depending on the type of injury you may require surgery and will get a referral to see an orthopedic surgeon. After surgery you will do a rehabilitation program.
If you don't require surgery, a rehabilitation program which may consist of:
If you don't require surgery, a rehabilitation program which may consist of:
- Movement exercises
- Strengthening exercises
- Return to sport: running, change of direction, jumping and landing drills. Any other specific requirements of your sport.
- Return to work: squatting, lunging, lifting weight/boxes. Any other specific requirements of your work.
