The most controversial topics on meniscal repair and transplantation, in an intense debate between Dr. Jorge Chahla, from Rush University, Chicago, and Dr. Pablo Gelber, from ICATME-Dexeus and Hospital Sant Pau in Barcelona. The topics both experts discussed about were: Radial Meniscal Tears: Should They Be Repaired? Meniscal sutures: Should biology be enhanced? Meniscal Sutures: [...]
In recent years, some meniscal lesions that had been previsouly went unnoticed were described. They were called hidden lesionsof the meniscus. If you do not have a high suspicion and knowledge of these injuries, they can go unnoticed, generating great frustration in the patient and the professional because they can not solve out this injury. [...]
Meniscal transplantation with the only-suture technique (no bony attachment) is used to replace the medial meniscus of the knee although it is also possible to use it to replace the lateral meniscus. It requires a careful and delicate arthroscopic technique.
The meniscus transplantation with bone bar is a alternative option in the absence of lateral meniscus of the knee. It requires a careful and delicate arthroscopic technique.
Standard meniscal resection is still commonly performed. However it should be used only when the meniscal tissue is not repairable, because the meniscus has an important role the biomechanics of the knee.
Meniscal repair is crucial to maintain the normal functioning of the knee in the short and long term when a meniscus is torn. It requires a great knowledge of the arthroscopic techniques and a correct understanding of the multiple possible lesions.
In cases of previous meniscal resections with a certain amount of preserved meniscal tissue, the created defect can be filled with a synthetic meniscal substitute (Actifit).