Traumatic meniscus tears

Sebastian Kopf, Roland Becker, Romain Seil, Christian Staerke

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Summary

Traumatic meniscus tears exist isolated (in stable knees) or in conjunction with ligament tears of the knee. Classical traumatic meniscus tears such as longitudinal and radial tears should be repaired regardless of patient’s age, body mass index, tear length, etc., if tissue quality allows it and tear can be reduced. In recent years, new types of meniscus pathologies have been described. This includes mainly meniscus instability, tears of the posterolateral meniscus roots, and so-called ramp lesions of the medial meniscus. Especially the two later ones occur mainly combined with tears of the cruciate ligaments. Tears of the posterolateral meniscus root should be repaired. If a lesion of a meniscus ramp should be repaired is still a matter of debate.