Meniscus are fibro-cartilaginous structure present in between the femur (thigh) and Tibia (leg) at the knee joint. Over the past years and, to our present knowledge of the meniscus, its importance in joint preservation has constantly increased. The main turning point is around the efforts by the arthroscopic surgeons in preserving this structure. This realization has happened over the last decade after the results of preserving this structure has helped the population in avoiding osteoarthritis in the long term .

In the knee lateral meniscus and medial meniscus are two menisci. Each meniscus has a role not only in load bearing, load transmission and cushioning of the joint but also in overall joint stability.  Each Meniscus also has a role in providing nutrition to the cartilage.

Lateral Meniscus is a C shaped structure which is attached to the lateral Tibial condyle by anterior and posterior roots. These roots are important anchorage points for the stability and viability of the meniscus. Lateral Meniscus covers almost 80% of the surface of the lateral Tibial condyle.

Medial Meniscus is larger less mobile than lateral meniscus and covers about 70% of the medial Tibial condyle. It has two anchorage points as anterior and posterior roots to attach to the Tibial condyle.

From the early 1980’S Menisectomy (Cutting or removing the meniscus) of the Meniscus was the only option available for a tear of the meniscus. It was only when the Arthroscopic surgeons realized along with the available evidence that the Menisectomy whether total or partial leads to increased incidence of Osteoarthritis in the patients having undergone Menisectomy.

Recent times have shown an increasing trend towards meniscus Repair or preservation. This is strongly supported by evidence in form of recent Literature. Which clearly mentions that the meniscus tears which are amenable to a repair especially the peripheral tears give good results in the long term.