The menisci of the knees are semicircular fibrocartilaginous structures consisting of a hydrophilic extracellular matrix containing a network of collagen fibers, glycoproteins, and proteoglycans maintained by a cellular component. The menisci are responsible for more than 50% of load transmission across the knee and increase joint congruity thereby also aiding in fluid film lubrication of the joint.
Meniscus is derived from the Greek word meniskos meaning crescent moon.1 A meniscus is a crescent shaped fibro cartilaginous structure which part divides a joint,2 usually while adding concavity. Menisci (pleural) are present in many joints throughout the body, most notably the knee.
