REVIEW ARTICLE

 

Meniscus injuries: Where do we stand?

 

 

BR Gelbart^I; P Firer^II

^IOrthopaedic Surgeon/Knee Surgery Fellow, Honorary consultant, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital Soft Tissue Knee Clinic, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
^IIOrthopaedic Surgeon, Netcare Linksfield Clinic, Orange Grove, Johannesburg; Honorary Consultant, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital Soft Tissue Knee Clinic

Correspondence

 

 

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ABSTRACT

The role of the meniscus in the knee has previously been grossly underestimated. The last 25 years have produced an enormous amount of research that highlights the importance of the meniscus to the function of the knee. The primary role of the meniscus is load bearing in order to decrease the forces on the articular surface of the femur and tibia. However, the meniscus also functions as a secondary stabiliser of the knee, providing joint lubrication and shock absorption.
The meniscus is also well supplied with nerve endings which explains the pain associated with meniscal injury and the role of the meniscus in proprioception.
The management of meniscal injuries has evolved from open total meniscectomy to arthroscopic partial meniscectomy, meniscal repair, meniscal transplant and attempts at meniscal culture.
This review provides an update on the literature and the current management options for meniscal injuries.

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Correspondence:
Dr BR Gelbart
PO Box 28985
Sandringham
Johannesburg
2131
Tel: +27 11 485-1970; Fax: +27 11 640-1838
Email: bradgelbart@icon.co.za

 

 

No benefits of any form have been received from a commercial party related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article.