Editorial Commentary: A Stitch in Time May Save the Meniscus…but Not the Articular Cartilage?

Abstract

Early-generation meniscal fixators sometimes caused iatrogenic articular cartilage damage. This resulted in injury to the very structure one tries to preserve when repairing a meniscal tear. Advances in suture-based meniscal implants and all-inside suture devices have allowed us to safely repair meniscal tears, even ones thought previously irreparable, and without the need for a secondary incision. As the techniques for meniscal repair continue to improve, orthopaedic surgeons should be encouraged to consider repair with more complex meniscal tear patterns.

Meniscal repair: The current state and recent advances in augmentation

“…While the ratio of meniscus repairs to meniscectomy remains low (~10%–15%), the prevalence of repairs has improved globally in the past decade 17,19‐22 . As a sign of increasing awareness of the importance of meniscal preservation, the phrase “Save the Meniscus” has become a popular moniker: with 10 manuscripts in the past 10 years 23‐32 featuring the phrase in their title, numerous conference proceedings, and a prolific social media handle (#savethemeniscus). Therefore, meniscus repair is clearly gaining in philosophical popularity, but given current limitations, it is not always physically possible or effective.…”