Meniscal Repair

The meniscus was once considered a functionless remnant of muscle that should be removed in its entirety at any sign of abnormality. Its role in load distribution, knee stability, and arthritis prevention has since been well established. The medial and lateral menisci are now considered vital structures in the healthy knee. Advancements in surgical techniques and biologic augmentation methods have expanded the indications for meniscal repair, with documented healing in tears previously deemed unsalvageable. In this article, we review the anatomy and function of the meniscus, evaluate the implications of meniscectomy, and assess the techniques of, and outcomes following, meniscal repair.