Lateral Meniscus Oblique Radial Tears: A Review of Diagnostic Considerations, Biomechanical Impact, and Treatment Outcomes.

Abstract

» Lateral meniscus oblique radial tears (LMORTs) predominantly affect younger individuals younger than 30 years, especially men with a higher body mass index, presenting unique challenges in surgical management.» The diagnosis of LMORTs is challenging because of the variable sensitivity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), particularly in cases with concurrent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, necessitating the integration of MRI findings with clinical and intraoperative evaluations for accurate diagnosis.» LMORTs significantly affect knee stability and joint mechanics, negatively influencing function and predisposing patients to subsequent joint degeneration.» Treatment strategies for LMORTs have evolved to favor meniscus preservation, with arthroscopic repair techniques such as transosseous pullout suture and side-by-side repair being recommended for more severe tear types.» Future research directions include advancing imaging techniques, conducting long-term outcome studies, exploring LMORTs in non-ACL injuries, performing biomechanical studies focused on healing outcomes, and emphasizing patient-reported outcomes to improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment effectiveness.