Body of lateral meniscus

The body of the lateral meniscus is the central, interposed segment between the anterior and posterior horns. It is a crescent-shaped fibrocartilaginous structure, that covers a greater proportion of the lateral tibial plateau characterized by a wedge-shaped cross-section, with the peripheral border being thicker and vascularized, while the inner border is thinner and avascular.

The body of the lateral meniscus is anchored to the tibia via the lateral meniscotibial ligament (LMTL), and is associated with the popliteomeniscal fascicles and the popliteofibular ligament, forming the menisco-tibio-popliteus-fibular complex (MTPFC).

These attachments contribute to the meniscus’s mobility and resistance to extrusion. The average width of the lateral meniscal body is approximately 8.8 mm, and its thickness is about 4.4 mm at the midbody in adult cadaveric studies.

The collagen fibers within the meniscal body are predominantly oriented circumferentially, facilitating the transmission of hoop stresses during load-bearing.

The lateral meniscal body is more mobile than its medial counterpart due to fewer capsular attachments, and its peripheral attachments are critical for joint stability and meniscal function.This region is also the site of the popliteal hiatus, where the popliteus tendon passes, further distinguishing the lateral meniscus from the medial.