The Meniscus: Basic science

The menisci are semilunar discs of fibrocartilaginous tissue which play critical roles 
in knee joint biomechanics [1]. Despite, it has been described in the past as nearly useless 
with perhaps some minor roles on joint nutrition and stabilization [2]. These complex 
structures are primarily composed of an interlacing network of collagen fibers 
(predominantly type I collagen) interposed with cells, and an extracellular matrix (ECM) of 
proteoglycans and glycoproteins.