The menisci are cartilages that sit between the tibia and femur. There is the medial and lateral meniscus. Either one can be torn or damaged with intense physical activity. Most commonly, this happens by a twisting motion. This injury is very common in patients participating in contact sports. Mild injury (Grade I or II) are typically treated with anti-inflammatory medications, rest, and possible physical therapy. More severe injuries (Grade III) typically require a partial or total meniscectomy.
Very often, this surgery is paired with a knee arthroscopy to determine the severity of the injury. An arthroscopic procedure is done by making 3 small incisions around the knee. The scope is inserted into these incisions to examine the menisci. In some cases, only a small portion will be removed (partial meniscectomy), in other cases the menisci are completely removed (total meniscectomy). The incisions are then closed using sutures or surgical strips.
