Semilunar cartilage, also known as meniscus, refers to a specialized type of cartilage found within certain joints of the body, particularly the knee joint. It is referred to as "semilunar" due to its crescent or half-moon shape.
The semilunar cartilage serves several important functions within the joints. Firstly, it acts as a shock absorber between the bones, cushioning and distributing the forces applied during movement. This helps to prevent excessive friction and wear on the joint surfaces, reducing the risk of injury. Secondly, it helps to improve the congruence between the bones, enhancing the stability and precision of joint movement.
In the knee joint, there are two semilunar cartilages - the medial meniscus on the inner side and the lateral meniscus on the outer side. These structures help to deepen and stabilize the shallow joint surface of the femur and tibia bones, aiding in load distribution and providing stability during movements such as walking, running, and jumping.
Damage or injury to the semilunar cartilage can occur due to trauma, degeneration, or repetitive stress on the knee joint. Common symptoms of a semilunar cartilage injury include pain, swelling, stiffness, and a catching or locking sensation in the knee. Treatment options can vary depending on the severity of the injury and may range from conservative measures such as rest, physical therapy, and medication, to more invasive interventions like arthroscopic surgery or meniscus repair/replacement.
In summary, the semilunar cartilage, or meniscus, is a crescent-shaped specialized cartilage found in certain joints, especially the knee joint. It is responsible for shock absorption, load distribution, and stability within the joint, and its injury can cause significant
