What Is a Meniscus?
Aug 24, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lin Yunfei
Introduction
The meniscus is a crescent-shaped fibrocartilage that fills the joint space between the femur and tibia. The superior surface of the femoral condyles is slightly concave, whereas the inferior surface of the tibial condyles is relatively flat. The meniscus lacks a direct blood supply; its nutrition is primarily derived from synovial fluid. Only the peripheral portion—attached to the tibial margin—receives a blood supply from the synovium, due to the meniscus’s poor vascularity.
In fact, the medial and lateral menisci are located on the articular surface of the tibia and are commonly referred to as “menisci.” The peripheral edges of the menisci are relatively thick and must be firmly attached to the joint capsule. In contrast, the central portion is comparatively thin and exists in a relatively free state. So, what exactly is a meniscus?
What Is a Meniscus?
A meniscus is a crescent-shaped fibrocartilaginous structure that fills the joint space between the femur and tibia. The superior surface of the femoral condyles is slightly concave, whereas the inferior surface of the tibial condyles is relatively flat. The meniscus itself lacks a direct blood supply; its nutrition is primarily derived from synovial fluid. Only the peripheral rim—where it attaches to the tibia—receives blood supply from the synovial membrane. Due to this poor vascularity, the meniscus has limited healing capacity following injury, often necessitating partial or complete surgical removal.
During physical exercise, always begin with a warm-up and ensure adequate preparation. For high-intensity activities, follow the principle of progressive overload—gradually increasing intensity over time. In cases of meniscal injury, protective strategies typically involve using specialized sports braces designed to support and protect the meniscus, along with regular strengthening exercises targeting the musculature surrounding the knee joint.
In daily life, maintain a balanced and regulated diet—avoid spicy, irritating foods, binge eating, and late-night activity. We hope this information proves helpful to you.
