Meniscus Injuries

What is a meniscus? 

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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? ​

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  • 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 

What happens if I have a meniscus injury? ​

Physiotherapists will do an assessment which may involve: 
  • Asking how the injury occurred 
  • Assessing how much movement your knee has 
  • Doing tests of the knee to assess if there is an injury to the meniscus 
  • You may get a referral for a scan eg. An MRI 
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. 
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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.