Open meniscus repair

In the past 30 years, the approach to treatment of the torn meniscus has changed significantly. Biomechanic and clinical investigations have demonstrated its important role in load distribution within the joint and the development of arthritis in compartments from which it has been resected. Tears in the vascular zone have significant healing potential. At long-term follow-up, approximately 80% of menisci that have been repaired via an open technique are intact, and radiographs consistently demonstrate the absence of degenerative change in these compartments. Vertical suture techniques continue to provide the most secure repairs in biomechanical studies. Although arthroscopic techniques of meniscus repair have improved greatly, open repair should continue to play a role in situations where arthroscopic techniques are compromised, such as tight medial compartments where visualization is difficult.