Injuries to the semilunar cartilages of the knee joint

1. 1. Our experience with 126 cases of suspected semilunar cartilage injuries is reviewed; 112 patients in this group were operated on and the diagnosis was confirmed in 108. 2. 2. The diagnosis can be made with a high degree of accuracy and is based largely on the history and physical examination. X-ray is chiefly of value in ruling out other diseases of the joint. 3. 3. If untreated, cartilage injuries lead to chronic disability. The treatment is excision of the damaged cartilage. The operation is simple and does not lead to impairment of function. The period of convalescence is short, and a return to normal activity may usually be expected in from four to six weeks. Where quadriceps atrophy is pronounced or other disease is present, the period of disability following operation may be increased. 4. 4. Early operation is advised on all but a few carefully selected cases of cartilage injuries.