Meniscus Repair and Replacement: New Techniques, Indications and Biologic Augmentations (AANA22)-Replacing the Meniscus

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The presentation covered meniscal allografts, techniques, indications, and emerging treatments for meniscus repair. Key points included patient selection—best for symptomatic individuals with localized meniscal excision, minimal arthritis, and appropriate alignment. The importance of bone plug fixation over soft tissue for better stability and reduced extrusion was emphasized, as extrusion correlates with arthritis progression. The speaker demonstrated a surgical technique using bone plugs and discussed the challenges of properly aligning and securing the meniscus. Segmental meniscal allografts were introduced as a novel approach for partial meniscal defects (<50%), aiming to preserve hoop stresses. Repair strategies for radial tears emphasized release of the meniscus-capsule junction to reduce tension and enhance healing, with a combination of inside-out and all-inside sutures preferred. Discussion highlighted that repairs are not always feasible in chronic or degenerative tears. Overall, meniscal allografts improve function and delay arthritis but require technical expertise and appropriate case selection. Emerging methods seek to optimize fixation and reduce extrusion to enhance long-term outcomes.

Asset Caption

Thomas Carter, M.D.

Keywords

meniscal allografts

meniscus repair techniques

bone plug fixation

meniscal extrusion

segmental meniscal allografts

radial meniscal tear repair