A meniscus tear is one of the most common knee injuries. It occurs frequently in athletes during sports activities but also in older individuals due to degeneration and loss of meniscal elasticity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The latest guidelines by the European Society of Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery and Arthroscopy (ESSKA)<\/strong> and the International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine (ISAKOS)<\/strong>, under the motto \u201csave the meniscus\u201d<\/strong>, aim to preserve as much of the meniscus as possible and, when feasible, to repair it through suturing<\/strong> rather than simply removing the damaged parts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Preserving the meniscus helps maintain proper knee function and reduces the risk of developing early degenerative changes such as osteoarthritis<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are two menisci<\/strong> in the knee, crescent-shaped cartilaginous structures positioned between the femur and the tibia. They are composed of a network of collagen fibers, proteoglycans, and glycoproteins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Their primary role is to evenly distribute load<\/strong> during weight-bearing and walking, stabilize and lubricate the joint<\/strong>, and protect<\/strong> the articular surfaces from wear and degeneration\u2014helping maintain a healthy knee joint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Losing part or all of the meniscus due to a tear predisposes the knee to degenerative changes over time, accompanied by relevant symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The healing capacity of the meniscus after a tear is limited, mainly because of its poor blood supply<\/strong>. Only the outer 10\u201330%<\/strong> of the meniscus receives blood, while the central part has no vascular supply<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thus, repairing the meniscus<\/strong> through suturing\u2014when possible\u2014is an important treatment option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Diagnosis is based on medical history, clinical examination<\/strong>, and MRI results<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In athletes, a meniscus tear is often accompanied by other injuries<\/strong>, such as an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Timely treatment\u2014whether conservative or surgical\u2014is recommended, as delays can worsen cartilage damage or extend the injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In cases of degenerative tears with mild symptoms<\/strong>, conservative treatment may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For traumatic tears with severe or worsening symptoms<\/strong> (e.g. swelling, inability to extend the leg), surgical intervention with arthroscopy<\/strong> is advised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During arthroscopy<\/strong>, the orthopedic surgeon uses a tiny camera (arthroscope) and specialized tools through two small incisions to visualize and treat the injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Three options are available:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The chosen method depends on the tear\u2019s location and type<\/strong>, the presence of other injuries<\/strong>, the patient’s age<\/strong>, activity level<\/strong>, and knee anatomy<\/strong>. Postoperative recovery time also varies accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since it’s often not possible to fully assess the repairability of the meniscus before surgery, the final decision is made during the arthroscopy<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Patients are usually discharged the same day<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the tear is located in the central part<\/strong> of the meniscus\u2014where blood supply is poor\u2014the surgeon carefully removes only the damaged tissue<\/strong> and smooths the edges of the remaining meniscus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the remaining meniscus is healthy and sufficient<\/strong>, outcomes are generally good with quick recovery and minimal complications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, removing a large portion\u2014or the entire meniscus<\/strong>\u2014can lead to gradual onset of arthritis<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In younger patients<\/strong>, or in active older individuals<\/strong>, if the tear is located in the outer zone<\/strong> of the meniscus (with adequate blood supply), the surgeon may opt for suturing<\/strong> the torn area to preserve the meniscus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a technically demanding procedure performed by specialized orthopedic surgeons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These involve a tear at the root attachment<\/strong> of the meniscus. Recent studies show that failing to repair these lesions eliminates the meniscus\u2019s protective function\u2014equivalent to removing it\u2014leading to early arthritis or even spontaneous osteonecrosis<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Are Menisci and What Is Their Role?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Diagnosis of Meniscus Tear<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Treatment Options<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Arthroscopic Treatment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Partial Meniscectomy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Recovery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Meniscus Repair (Suturing)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRoot Lesions\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n