Meniscus Root Injuries: Modern Techniques and Clinical Outcomes

Abstract

Meniscus root tears have gathered increased recent attention in the orthopaedic literature with substantial implications for sustained patient knee function and longevity. A growing body of evidence supports surgical repair over nonoperative treatment or partial meniscectomy in the setting of medial or lateral meniscus root tears with overall preserved articular cartilage. Decreased risk of osteoarthritic degeneration, conversion to total knee arthroplasty, and reliable improvements in validated clinical outcome scores have all been demonstrated by multiple biomechanical and clinical investigations. Centralization of an extruded meniscus with a root tear has emerged as a promising surgical technique to help restore native meniscus function and normal knee kinematics. This review outlines the historical background, diagnostic evaluation, and clinical management of meniscus root tears, including modern surgical advancements and latest clinical outcomes.