J Korean Orthop Assoc.  2015 Oct;50(5):359-364. 10.4055/jkoa.2015.50.5.359.

Non-Operative Treatment of the Degenerative Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Tear

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. osman@korea.ac.kr

Abstract

Degenerative medial meniscus posterior root tear is commonly seen in middle or old age populations. Because the biomechanical status of the meniscus root tear is similar to total menisectomy state, medial meniscus posterior root tear can cause early osteoarthritis. Treatment options for the medial meniscus posterior root tear include non-operative treatment, meniscectomy, repair, and high tibia osteotomy. There is still debate regarding the exact indication of each treatment, because the natural course of the medial meniscus posterior root tear and long-term results of each treatment is not known. However, non-operative treatments provide symptomatic relief and functional improvement in patients who are not indicated for operative treatment or before operative treatment.

Keyword

knee; medial meniscus; root tear; degeneration

MeSH Terms

Humans
Knee
Menisci, Tibial*
Osteoarthritis
Osteotomy
Tears*
Tibia

Figure

  • Figure 1 (A) Coronal magnetic resonance (MR) image showing the medial meniscus posterior root tear (arrow). (B) Marginal osteophytes, full thickness cartilage defect in the medial femoral condyle and medial tibia plateau are seen in same patient. (C) Sagittal MR image showing effusion and a full thickness cartilage defect in the weight bearing area of the medial femoral condyle and medial tibia plateau.


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