Meniscus

The importance of the meniscus in the knee joint has changed in recent years. The meniscus is no longer just a structure that acts as a “shock absorber” or “filling tissue to balance the joint surfaces”.

Instead, its importance as a movable joint surface has been recognized. Cutting away, reducing and partial removal alone are no longer appropriate and reconstructive surgical methods have gained in importance.

The circular tissue structure of the menisci distributes the daily joint loads over a large area in the knee joint and thus serves to prevent joint wear and tear (osteoarthritis). The pressure exerted is converted into ring tension by this fibrous structure and thus keeps the joint pressure stable.

Preservation of the meniscus (both the outer and inner meniscus) takes precedence over removal.

Even a meniscus that has been used up, even before surgery, can still be reconstructed and then perform its function again.