Meniscus Root Avulsion

Meniscal root radial tears and avulsions occur frequently enough that one should be familiar with them as a clinical entity and recognize the typical clinical symptoms, MRI, and arthroscopic findings. The consequence of loss of the posterior horn attachment of the meniscus, according to best evidence, is loss of hoop strain constraint, meniscus extrusion, increased joint pressure, and premature degenerative disease of the knee over time. Surgical repair techniques are available, and the early-to-middle-range clinical results seem superior to those of nonoperative treatment or arthroscopic partial meniscectomy.