Meniscus

The menisci have not only a cushioning function but also a proprioceptive one. This means that the knee joint sends information to the brain indicating the position of the knee, for example whether it is bent or straight. This connection is disrupted in the case of an acute meniscus injury. When an acute meniscus tear occurs, a rip develops in the inner or outer meniscus, often during sports. A meniscus can tear in many different ways, but the most important fact is: once the meniscus is torn, it will often be very painful during weight-bearing activities.

A meniscus can also become “worn down.” As we age, the body gradually changes this includes the menisci. This natural aging process is called degeneration. When the meniscus is damaged due to an acute trauma, symptoms usually appear immediately. However, when meniscus problems develop due to degeneration, the symptoms gradually worsen over the years. This happens because the quality of the meniscus tissue deteriorates. In that case, the menisci are considered “worn.”