Menisci of the Knee Joint

Menisci of the knee joint

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A meniscus is a piece of cartilage found where two bones meet (joint space). Menisci (plural of meniscus) protect and cushion the joint surface and bone ends. In the knee, the crescent-shaped menisci are positioned between the ends of the upper (femur) and lower (tibia) leg bones. The menisci protect the joint surface and absorb the shock produced by activities such as walking, running, and jumping.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerWilliam H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerPatrick J. McMahon, MD - Orthopedic Surgery
Last RevisedSeptember 10, 2012
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: September 10, 2012
Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Patrick J. McMahon, MD - Orthopedic Surgery

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