Treatment of Meniscus Injuries, and Surgical Techniques

The meniscus plays an important role in knee biomechanics, which absorbs and distributes the load over the tibia. Maintaining stability and proprioception is an important part of meniscus function. Articular cartilage is also protected by the meniscus which supports the viscosity of synovial fluid lubrication and articular surface nutrition. Saving the meniscus means saving the cartilage. As a result, saving the meniscus is vital to avoid long-term knee osteoarthritis. Meniscal repair can be performed regardless of patient factors, chronicity of the tear, and tear patterns. Meniscus tears are most often categorized as either degenerative or traumatic. Traumatic meniscal tears are thought to possess better healing potential. This chapter gives an overview of the treatment of meniscal injuries and surgical techniques in meniscal pathologies to protect this unique structure. The inside-out technique, outside-in technique, all-inside technique, biological augmentation of meniscal healing, meniscus transplantation, and nonsurgical treatment are discussed.