Meniscal Repair
The meniscal cartilage are two ring-shaped shock-absorbers between the thigh bone (femur) and the shin (tibia). They are frequently torn during twisting or squatting motions , especially while engaging in sports. Most meniscal tears are not appropriate for repair, and are treated with meniscectomy (trimming the torn portion). However, we have become more aware that the mensici are very important structures, and that removal of large portions greatly increases a patient’s chances of arthritis. Accordingly, cartilage surgeons have increased efforts to repair (fix with stitches) large tears whenever possible, especially in young patients. To be appropriate for repair, a meniscus tear must be in a location with good blood supply, be a relatively clean tear with good tissue quality, and involve a fairly large fragment of mensicus. Only a small portion of meniscal tears meet these criteria. A number of different techniques can be used to repair meniscus tears.
Articular Cartilage Repair
It was long believed that the articular cartilage cannot be repaired. This is no longer true. In appropriate situations, dislodged fragments can be repaired with dissolvable sutures and pins. This is typically an option only when the injury is “fresh” and the cartilage fragment is still in good condition. These are relatively rare scenarios, and in most cases, major injuries to the articular cartilage require restoration techniques (growing new cartilage or transplanting cartilage).