The Two Types of Menisci

There are generally speaking two kinds of meniscus tissue or menisci in each individual's knee. As a result a meniscal tear can occur in both or just one of the menisci in each knee. The meniscus that is located near the inside or the inner portion of an individuals knee is called the medial meniscus. There is also a meniscal tissue that is located near the outer portion of an individuals knee and that tissue is called the lateral meniscus. The medial meniscus plays a huge role in protecting the knee when one is engaged in a physical activity or a particular sport.

The medial meniscal tissue can be attributed to absorbing any impact or shock when the knee is placed under any kind of stress. Activities such as jumping, pivoting or even sliding is made possible by the meniscal tissue which protects the knee. In addition the lateral menisci is also used to help keep the knee stable and assist the individual in protecting the knee when the range of motion of the knee is extended or placed in an unorthodox fashion. These two menisci tissue can be responsible for up to 50% of the pressure and torque that is upheld in one's knee, as a result when a meniscal tear occurs the knee can become unstable because the role of the menisci has been diminished due to the tear.

It is important to note that when a the medial meniscal tissue incurs a tear it is usually torn with another tissue known as the ACL. The ACL otherwise known as the anterior crucial ligament also plays a huge role in ensuring that the person's knee is stabilized and secure, as a result the ACL injury will require surgery. It has also been studied that a medial meniscal tear is much more common than a lateral meniscal tear. This can be attributed to a variety of factors, however high impact sports such as soccer and football which can result in direct impact hits to the outside of the knee can easily cause meniscal tear to the medial tissue.

The lateral menisci tissue is also very sensitive to tear in high impact sports, however it is an injury that is much less common than the medial tear. The most common type of injury associated with a lateral tear is when the knee of an individual is twisted in an unstable fashion. In terms of a lateral tear, small tears can be repaired on their own using rest, ice and elevation, however a larger tear will usually require surgery. The surgical process in repairing a meniscal tear is usually not as embracive as other major surgeries. There is usually an arthroscopic procedure that is performed by a surgeon which will repair either the medial or lateral menisci. The important aspect of these surgeries is the physical rehabilitation portion, they will enable the individual the get the knee to a point where it is stable and strong enough to perform in daily activities as well as activities which involve contact sports such as basketball, football, soccer and tennis.