INTRODUCTION​

• The Meniscus is the shock absorber of the knee with the following functions:

• Load distribution: Cushions the knee and distribute loads with every step

• Stabilization

• Joint lubrication

• Cartilage protection

• Meniscus root tears are unique meniscus tears that affect young athletes with traumatic injury and older patients with degenerative changes

• Meniscus root tears lead to de-tensioning of the meniscus, increased contact forces, and cartilage damage

• Meniscus root tears are associated with early degenerative changes and high rates of total knee replacement 

• 80% of Meniscus root tears affect the medial (or inside) meniscus

CAUSES 

• Meniscus root tears usually occur after a deep bending injury in young athletes

• They can also occur in older patients with degenerative menisci after a seemingly innocuous injury such as getting up from a seated position

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• Pain in the inside or outer portion of the knee corresponds to location of tear

• Mechanical symptoms such as catching, locking, giving out may be associated with meniscus tears

TREATMENT​​

• Treatment of meniscus root tears depends on the type of injury and age of patient

• Management of older patients with meniscus root tears is controversial, and the efficacy of different treatment options is unclear. 

• For older patients with degenerative root tears, treatment involves either conservative management or surgery

• Conservative management involves activity modification and avoidance of heavy load bearing activities. In addition, a course of physical therapy and a home exercise program focused on knee range of motion and strengthening exercises. Anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen are oftentimes helpful as an adjunct to other treatments

• For younger patients with traumatic meniscus root tears, surgery is usually recommended

• Surgery consists of arthroscopic assisted meniscus root repair using either bone tunnel or all-inside suture fixation (especially in older patients with degenerative tears)

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 PREVENTION​

• The best way to prevent this condition is to avoid deep bending or squatting activities