The meniscus is a specialized structure within the knee, and consist of a medial meniscus and lateral meniscus . They are crescent-shaped shock absorbers between the tibia and femur, and have an important role in the function and health of the knee. The menisci (plural) were once thought to be of little use. In fact, they were routinely removed when torn. However, we now know that the menisci contribute to a healthy knee. They play important roles in joint stability, forc