Meniscus

The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage located in the knee joint, acting as a cushion between the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia). It helps distribute weight, absorb shock, and stabilize the joint during movement. There are two menisci in each knee—medial (inner) and lateral (outer). They are flexible but can tear due to injury or degeneration, leading to pain, swelling, or limited movement. Menisci are essential for healthy knee function, and treatment may range from rest and therapy to surgical repair, depending on the injury severity.