menisken

The menisken, in Norwegian, refers to the meniscus of the knee. The knee contains two menisci: the medial meniscus and the lateral meniscus. Each is a crescent-shaped fibrocartilaginous disc between the femur and tibia. They are anchored to the joint capsule and tibial plateau and lie between the rounded femoral condyles. The menisci help stabilize the joint, distribute load across the tibial plateau, absorb shock, improve congruence of the articular surfaces, and contribute to joint lubrication and proprioception.

Anatomy and blood supply: The outer third of each meniscus, the red-red zone, is vascularized and has the best healing potential. The inner portions are avascular (red-white and white-white zones), which reduces the likelihood of spontaneous healing after tearing. The menisci rely on surrounding joint structures for nutrition and maintenance.

Injuries and disease: Meniscal tears are common, occurring after twisting injuries or with degenerative changes in older adults. Symptoms include joint line pain, swelling, reduced range of motion, and sometimes catching or locking of the knee. Diagnosis combines physical examination with imaging; MRI is the most informative modality for evaluating tear type and extent.

Treatment: Initial management often involves rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and physical therapy. If symptoms persist or tears are peripheral and amenable to healing, arthroscopic surgery may be performed. Options include partial meniscectomy (removing the torn portion) and meniscal repair (suturing the tear). Total meniscectomy is avoided when possible due to higher long-term risk of osteoarthritis. Prognosis depends on tear location, patient age, and activity level.

Prevention and outcomes: Strengthening and flexible conditioning of the muscles around the knee, proper biomechanics, and gradual return to activity help reduce risk and support recovery after injury.