Degenerative meniscal lesions – New therapeutic approaches

The function of the medial meniscus is well known. Extensive research has been performed over the last decades and there is consensus about the preservation of the meniscus, whenever possible in order to prevent accelerated joint degeneration. The review focus on the management of degenerative meniscus lesions according to the ESSKA consensus. Furthermore, three main topics regarding the surgical management of degenerative meniscus lesions are discussed. Complex and horizontal lesions should be resected until the remaining meniscus shows a stable periphery. The meniscus periphery should be stabilized afterwards by vertical sutures. Medial meniscus root lesions occur predominantly in knees, which already show cartilage degeneration. These patients are significant older than patients with acute lateral meniscus root tears. Medial root tears should be fixed transosseus providing cartilage degeneration in the medial compartment does not exceed grade II according to Kellgren and Lawrence. Meniscal centralization procedures have gained interest to preserve meniscus function. However, there is still a lack of evidence using this technique.