Meniscus Injury

Sitting between the upper and lower leg bones at the knee joint are rubbery pads of tissue called menisci. These cushion the bones, acting as shock absorbers.

The menisci can become worn as you get older, and are commonly the reason for knee pain in middle-aged people.

A meniscus can also be torn after suddenly twisting the knee joint, resulting in pain, swelling and, occasionally, locking of the knee. These symptoms may settle down without treatment, although an operation is sometimes needed to repair the torn pad of tissue.