Meniscal Roots: Current Concepts Review

Document Type : CURRENT CONCEPTS REVIEW

Authors

1 Instituto Nacional De Ortopedia y Traumatologí􀆴a (INOT), Universidad De la República. Montevideo, Uruguay

2 Steadman Philippon Research Institute, Vail, Colorado, USA

3 Steadman Philippon Research Institute. Vail, Colorado, USA

4 The Steadman Clinic and the Steadman Philippon Research Institute, Vail, Colorado, USA

Abstract

Meniscal root tears are defined as radial tears located within 1 cm from the meniscal attachment or a bony root
avulsion. This injury is biomechanically comparable to a total meniscectomy, leading to compromised hoop stresses
resulting in decreased tibiofemoral contact area and increased contact pressures in the involved compartment.
These changes are detrimental to the articular cartilage and ultimately lead to the development of early osteoarthritis.
Surgical repair is the treatment of choice in patients without significant osteoarthritis (Outerbridge grades 3 or 4).
Root repairs have been reported to improve clinical outcomes, decrease meniscal extrusion and slow the onset
of degenerative changes. Here we describe the anatomy, biomechanics, clinical evaluation, treatment methods,
outcomes, and post-operative rehabilitation for posterior meniscal root tears.

Keywords

Main Subjects


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