Structure and Biology of the Knee Meniscus

The menisci are C-shaped discs of fibrocartilage interposed between the condyles of the femur and tibia. Once described as the functionless remains of leg muscle (Sutton 1987) the menisci are now realized to be integral components in the complex biomechanics of the knee joint (Arnoczky et al 1988). This realization has resulted in an renewed interest in the basic science of the meniscus in terms of its structure, physiology, and function. This chapter will examine the structure and biology of the menisci of the knee joint.

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