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Joint Preservation of the Knee pp 25–39Cite as

Meniscus: Biomechanics and Biology

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Abstract

The meniscus plays an integral role in the knee with several unique functions, most notably to protect the chondral surfaces via load transmission and distribution. Given that meniscal integrity highly correlates with joint health, an awareness of meniscal anatomy and its insertions, meniscal biology, and meniscal biomechanics is paramount for the treating physician. This chapter will help the reader to better understand the (i) anatomy of the menisci with an emphasis on anatomic root attachments, (ii) microstructure and biology of meniscal tissue, and (iii) biomechanical properties of meniscal tissue and their clinical relevance following meniscal injury.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Panorama Orthopedics & Spine Center, Golden, CO, USA

    Michael B. Ellman

  2. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA

    Jorge Chahla

Authors
  1. Michael B. Ellman
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  2. Jorge Chahla
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA

    Adam B. Yanke

  2. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA

    Brian J. Cole

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Ellman, M.B., Chahla, J. (2019). Meniscus: Biomechanics and Biology. In: Yanke, A., Cole, B. (eds) Joint Preservation of the Knee. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-01491-9_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-01491-9_2

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-01490-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-01491-9

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