title: Meniscus repair: considerations in treatment and update of clinical results.
abstract: The meniscus plays an important role in the function of the knee. Preservation of the meniscus is preferred if possible when considering treatment of a meniscus tear. A thorough understanding of the anatomy of the meniscus, the structure, the mechanics, and other factors of meniscal healing are critical when evaluating the torn meniscus for a reparative procedure. Many options for meniscus repair exist for the orthopaedist. Options such as open repair or arthroscopically-assisted inside-out techniques have long-term favorable results. The all-inside techniques are attractive because of the decrease in operative time and ease of the technique. Short-term results are positive for the all-inside technique; however, good long-term data on these techniques are lacking. Few well-designed prospective studies exist on any of the meniscus repair techniques. Future directions include the potential use of growth factors and gene therapy to augment meniscus repair.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37212, USA.
authors.forename: Eric C
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: McCarty
authors.forename: Robert G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Marx
authors.forename: Kenneth E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: DeHaven
mesh_terms: D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000379:methods; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization; D008592:Menisci, Tibial / Q000601:surgery*; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D000070600:Tibial Meniscus Injuries