[Biomechanics of the meniscus]

Abstract

The menisci of the knee joint enlarge the area of support to more than twice the surface of pure cartilage contact. As a result of the wedge-shaped cross-section, the meniscus is stressed by radially directed shear forces, but because of the bone attachment at both ends, the shear forces are transformed into circular tensile stress. The arrangement of collagen fibres reflects the pattern of tensile stress trajectories. Single chondroma are found in the peripheral zone. The range of displacement of the knee is considerably widened by the menisci. After meniscectomy, this function can be compensated for by the cruciate ligaments, but the stress on the articular cartilage will then increase.