J Korean Orthop Assoc.  2012 Jun;47(3):165-170. 10.4055/jkoa.2012.47.3.165.

Management of Meniscal Injury: Repair, Meniscectomy, and Transplantation

• Choi NH
• Oh JS

• KMID: 2106643
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4055/jkoa.2012.47.3.165

Abstract

Although total meniscectomy had been performed as a treatment of meniscal tear, many published articles reported progression of the degeneration process and development of the osteoarthritis after meniscectomy. Meniscal repair has been performed increasingly, with the increased knowledge of the biomechanical properties of the meniscus. However, resection of the meniscus is still needed for irreparable tear and should be performed as minimally as possible to maintain the important functions of the meniscus. When substantial meniscal tissue is resected, meniscal allograft transplantation is considered to be a therapeutic option for young active patients to prevent the progress of degenerative change of the cartilage. In this review, indications and outcomes after meniscectomy, meniscal repair, and meniscal transplantation for the treatment of the meniscal injury are discussed.

Keyword

meniscus; knee; meniscectomy; meniscal repair; meniscal transplantation

MeSH Terms

Cartilage
Humans
Knee
Osteoarthritis
Transplantation, Homologous
Transplants

Figure

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  Figure 1 Sagittal magnetic resonance image shows longitudinal tear of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus.

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  Figure 2 Absorbable sutures are placed vertically to capture the circumferential fibers of the collagen bundle of the meniscus.

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  Figure 3 Follow-up magnetic resonance image shows complete healing of previous tear site at 6 months after surgery.

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  Figure 4 Axial magnetic resonance image shows satisfactory placement of bony bridge of the lateral meniscus allograft at 2 years after surgery.

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  Figure 5 Sagittal magnetic resonance image at midbody level shows satisfactory placement of midbody of the lateral meniscus allograft without extrusion at 2 years after surgery.

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