Which statement about the functions of the menisci is NOT accurate?

Which statement about the functions of the menisci is NOT accurate?

• A. Deepen the tibial fossa
• B. Promote bone fusion
• C. Increase congruency between the tibia and femur
• D. Provide stability to the tibiofemoral joint

Answer: (B)

The key idea here is the role of the menisci in improving how the knee joint surfaces match and share loads. The menisci sit on the tibial plateau as fibrocartilaginous discs and deepen the tibial concave surface, which increases the contact area between the tibia and femur. This greater congruence helps distribute loads more evenly across the joint and enhances stability and smooth motion. They also contribute to joint stability by guiding the femoral condyles and reducing unwanted translation, and they aid in lubrication and proprioception. Therefore, deepening the tibial fossa is a true function, and increasing congruency between the tibia and femur is also true, as is providing stability to the tibiofemoral joint. The statement about promoting bone fusion is not accurate because the menisci are soft tissue structures that optimize articulation and load distribution; they do not fuse bones.

The key idea here is the role of the menisci in improving how the knee joint surfaces match and share loads. The menisci sit on the tibial plateau as fibrocartilaginous discs and deepen the tibial concave surface, which increases the contact area between the tibia and femur. This greater congruence helps distribute loads more evenly across the joint and enhances stability and smooth motion. They also contribute to joint stability by guiding the femoral condyles and reducing unwanted translation, and they aid in lubrication and proprioception.

Therefore, deepening the tibial fossa is a true function, and increasing congruency between the tibia and femur is also true, as is providing stability to the tibiofemoral joint. The statement about promoting bone fusion is not accurate because the menisci are soft tissue structures that optimize articulation and load distribution; they do not fuse bones.