J Knee Surg 2011; 24(2): 093-100
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1280877
SPECIAL FOCUS SECTION

© Thieme Medical Publishers

Treatment of Meniscal Injuries in Young Athletes

MAJ Jeffrey R. Giuliani1 , MAJ Travis C. Burns1 , LTC Steven J. Svoboda1 , Kenneth L. Cameron1 , LTC Brett D. Owens1
  • 1John A. Feagin, Jr. Sports Medicine Fellowship, Keller Army Hospital, U.S. Military Academy, West Point, New York
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
06 June 2011 (online)

ABSTRACT

The young, active patient with a meniscal tear poses a significant challenge for the surgeon. Multiple factors influence the treatment of meniscal pathology and the ultimate goal of meniscal surgery should be to remove only torn and nonfunctional tissue by limited meniscectomy or to repair amenable tears. The chondroprotective significance of the meniscus has influenced the current treatment of meniscal injuries in young athletes with the emphasis on repairing meniscus tears to include complex tears and tears in the avascular zone. Partial meniscectomy and meniscal repair techniques have provided good long-term clinical success and return to activity. The decision to debride versus repair a meniscus depends on tear pattern, location, and the patient's willingness to comply with postoperative restrictions. In patients with symptomatic meniscus deficiency, meniscal allograft transplant is an option that may provide pain relief but may not allow return to sports. The purpose of this article is to provide a succinct review of the diagnostic and management principles for the young, active patient with a meniscal tear.

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LTC Brett D OwensM.D. 

John A. Feagin, Jr. Sports Medicine Fellowship

Keller Army Hospital, U.S. Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996

Email: b.owens@us.army.mil

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