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Meniscal tears

Meniscal tears

Overview

A meniscal tear is an injury of the shock-absorbing cartilage in the knee. The meniscus is a C-shaped fibrous cartilage that is found in certain joints forming a buffer between the bones. The meniscus also serves as a shock-absorption system, assists in lubricating the joint, and limits the joint flexion and extension.

Review Date 4/24/2023

Updated by: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.