A layer of this cartilage covers the end of the thigh bone, the top of the shin bone, and the back of the kneecap. The meniscus is a different type of cartilage. This type acts as a shock absorber between bones.
The meniscus is not attached to the bone like articular cartilage. Instead, it sits between the bone ends to cushion the joint. The purpose of both types of cartilage is to protect the knee joint by keeping the bones from rubbing together. They also help the knee move smoothly. There are two types of cartilage in the knee. The articular cartilage covers the bone ends. The meniscus sits between bone ends to provide a cushion for the joint. Knee cartilage can be damaged in a few different ways, including:.
Depending on the type of injury, different types of cartilage may be damaged. When cartilage is damaged, it is often described as a tear of the cartilage. Meniscus tears are common knee injuries, but tears can also happen in the articular cartilage. When someone refers to a tear in the cartilage, they are usually talking about the meniscus cartilage. Words that describe an injury to the articular cartilage include:. Articular cartilage injuries include fissuring, thinning, flaps, and defects that may expose bone within the joint.
Meniscus tears usually require treatment. The good news is that not all meniscus tears need surgery. Some meniscus tears, though, do respond best to surgical intervention. Damage to both types of cartilage is often the result of long-term degeneration and arthritis. This type of damage may cause serious symptoms such as pain and disability. Still, in many cases, surgery is no better than nonsurgical treatment.
Nonsurgical treatment of meniscus tears may include:. Always see a doctor if you have a knee injury. A doctor can help determine if surgery is necessary. Tears to the meniscus usually need surgery. Injuries caused by degeneration, though, may not be improved by surgery. Tears can happen in both articular cartilage and a meniscus. Meniscus tears are common. When you hear someone refer to a cartilage tear, they are usually talking about the meniscus.
Tears can be caused by injury, arthritis, or chronic overuse. Not all tears require surgery, but many do. The meniscus is a cartilage "shock absorber" between the bones in the knee joint.
Each knee has two menisci, one on the each side of the knee. The menisci provide stability and weight balance in the knee to protect your joint. If there is a lot of stress on the knee, the meniscus can wear away and tear. The LACK of articular cartilage in a joint is called arthritis, plain and simple!
If your own body is attacking the articular cartilage, like it does with rheumatoid arthritis, this is called inflammatory arthritis. There is lots more to talk about with cartilage health and cartilage injuries, both prevention and treatment options.
For now, remember that, just like the type of driving we do affects how long our tires last, the type of sports we participate in will affect both the risk of injury to the meniscus cartilage, and the wear sustained by the articular cartilage.
Nobody was trying to confuse us with having two different types of cartilage within the knee, its just the way it is. So in case you find yourself on a game show and the million dollar question is "what are the two types of cartilage found in the knee" About Dr. The Female ACL. Patient Education. Contact Team Sterett. Welcome to the official blog of Dr. Bill Sterett. Women's Alpine Ski Team. Sep William Sterett, M.
Knee Surgery. Meniscus or articular cartilage? What is the Meniscus? Video: Meniscus Tears. Video: What Causes a Meniscus Tear? Articular Cartilage and Arthritis. September 21, Education , Science by josie. I hope it helps! Previous Welcome to Insight Into Injury. Search Site Search for: Search. Welcome to Insight Into Injury.
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