The meniscus is the wedge-shaped elastic lining that connects the femur and tibia of the knee joint and is one of the most vulnerable parts of the knee joint. The medial meniscus is “C”-shaped and the lateral meniscus is “O”-shaped, and is used to support weight, assist the knee joint in sliding and steering, and prevent direct friction between the femur and tibia, stabilize the joint, absorb shock, and protect the articular cartilage surfaces. Soccer players and others involved in competitive sports are susceptible to meniscal injuries during knee flexion, rotation, stopping and deceleration. Meniscal injuries in athletes may often be combined with other injuries, such as anterior cruciate ligament injuries. In older adults, meniscal injuries can occur in the absence of any trauma as the cartilage degenerates and wears away. Signs and Symptoms A meniscal injury may be associated with a popping sound, most people can continue to walk, and athletes may continue to play sports. When reactive inflammation occurs with a knee injury, pain and stiffness in the knee joint may occur. After a few days there may be: 1. stiffness and swelling 2. pressure pain at the knee joint line 3. fluid accumulation in the knee joint Without proper treatment, the broken meniscus fragments can loosen and free, resulting in a feeling of joint entrapment, popping or interlocking. The knee joint is often unable to extend and flex the knee joint at 45° of flexion, i.e. knee joint interlocking, which can sometimes be relieved by hand thrusting. When a meniscal injury is felt to have occurred, it should be diagnosed and treated immediately. Diagnosis and diagnosis Inform the knee of the condition and timing at the time of injury. Perform a physical examination to determine the extent of the meniscus injury. X-ray can be taken to exclude osteoarthritis or other diseases causing knee pain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can obtain clear soft tissue images of the knee joint, and when the knee joint is interlocked, knee arthroscopy technique can also be used to examine the knee joint for a definite diagnosis. 1, several ways of meniscal injury: 2, young athletes in the knee joint rotation often occur in the longitudinal or “barrel handle” type of injury 3, young athletes sustained knee joint pressure may cause the meniscus radial or beak-like compound injury (less common) 4, older people due to cartilage aging, meniscal injury often from the medial edge of the meniscus Begin to tear