Lateral meniscus

The lateral meniscus is the meniscus shock absorber on the lateral (outer) side of the knee joint.

 

menisci on top of tibial plateau Popliteus muscle and tendon in relation to the lateral meniscus The lateral meniscus and popliteus tendon form part of the 'posterolateral corner', where injuries may be a challenge to the surgeon because of the complexity in this region.
The menisci sit on the top of the tibia. The lateral (outer) meniscus is more 'O-shaped' than the medial meniscus, which is more 'C-shaped'. It is also more mobile and has an intimate relationship to the tendon of the popliteus muscle. Looking from the back of the knee, one can appreciate the intimate relationship of the lateral meniscus and the popliteus tendon, which pierces the capsule at the point on its way to insert on the femur.  
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Related Content

Popliteus tears and the lateral meniscus

Injury of the small muscle at the back of the knee may be confused with a torn meniscus.

Clearing up confusion about knee cartilage

Video discussing why people mix up the two kinds of tissue referred to as 'cartilage'.

2013 - Iatrogenic instability of the lateral meniscus after partial meniscectomy

An important discussion of two patients whose symptoms changed and worsened after a partial lateral meniscectomy.

Introduction to the knee meniscus

An overview of the meniscus or 'knee-cartilage'.

Meniscus from top

Another view of the 'knee cartilages'.

Meniscus from side

Overview of the anatomy of the 'knee cartilages'.

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CLINICAL PUBLICATIONS

Cysts of the lateral meniscus. Crowell MS, Westrick RB and Fogarty BT. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2013 Jun; 8(3): 340–348.

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