Both the medial and lateral menisci have a stout attachment at their very posterior aspects, which are called the root attachments. These root attachments are important because they hold the meniscus in place, provides stability to the circumferential hoop fibers of the meniscus, and prevents meniscal extrusion.
When there is […]
The menisci of the knee joint are made of tough, fibrous cartilage that conform to the surfaces of the bones upon which they rest. One meniscus is on the inside of the knee (known as the medial meniscus), and the other rests on the outside of the knee (known as the […]
The lateral meniscus is an essential shock absorber on the outside (lateral) aspect of the knee joint. It absorbs about 70% of the shock of the lateral compartment. Lateral meniscal tears are not as common as medial meniscus tears. This is because the lateral meniscus is more mobile and not secured […]
The medial meniscus is an important shock absorber on the inside (medial) aspect of the knee joint. It absorbs about 50% of the shock of the medial compartment. Thus, when there is a medial knee injury such as a medial meniscus tear, it is very important to try to repair the […]
Meniscus injuries of the knee – commonly meniscus tears or meniscus strains – are common among both athletes and non-athletes. A meniscus injury or a lack of a meniscus can lead to osteoarthritis.
The knee […]
The lateral collateral ligament (LCL), also called the fibular collateral ligament (FCL), is the main structure on the lateral, or outside, portion of the knee to prevent the knee from gapping open. The term fibular collateral ligament (FCL) is more anatomically correct, but this ligament is more commonly referred […]
An injury to the proximal tibiofibular joint is rather rare, but can be debilitating in patients who have symptoms.
The proximal tibiofibular joint is located between the lateral tibial plateau of the tibia, and the head of the fibula. Typically, the proximal tibiofibular joint is injured in a fall when the […]
Multidirectional instability in the knee refers to a knee that is extremely unstable. Typically, multidirectional instability is due to ligaments of the knee being injured from a knee dislocation, it can also occur in patients with significant joint laxity, such as those with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
When there is suspicion for a multi-ligament knee injury, four main ligament areas of the knee must be assessed for possible injury. Within these areas, there can be several bundles or structures that need to be reconstructed.
The four main ligament areas of the knee that need assessment include: anterior cruciate […]
The menisci are essential shock absorbers for the joint. They are also important for normal gait and stability of the knee. We are just starting to understand the role that a partial meniscectomy has on a patient’s overall gait pattern, their subsequent muscle weakness, and the overload of the joint that occurs when […]
