Posterior meniscal root injuries

Moatshe G, Chahla J, Slette E, Engebretsen L, LaPrade RF · Acta Orthopaedica

A root tear stops the meniscus converting axial load into hoop stress, and the resulting overload produces cartilage degeneration the review describes as comparable to that following a total meniscectomy. Medial meniscal extrusion follows both partial and complete root tears, and extrusion beyond 3 mm is associated with more cartilage degeneration and osteophyte formation. Knee function improves after root repair, and whether the operation prevents osteoarthritis is reported inconsistently.

Population

Review of the anatomy, biomechanics, diagnosis and treatment of posterior meniscal root tears — radial tears within 1 cm of the root insertion, or avulsion of the insertion

Limitations

A narrative review, so its biomechanical figures belong to the studies it cites rather than to itself, and its treatment recommendations are expert opinion. It is explicit that reports conflict on whether repair prevents osteoarthritis. No funding or conflict-of-interest statement appears in the article.