Advances in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Meniscal Tears

School of Medical Technology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China

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Abstract

Meniscus tears are a common knee joint injury which significantly impact joint function and the risk of osteoarthritis. According to morphological classification, they are classified as vertical tears, bucket handle tears, radial tears, and horizontal tears. Classified by the site of injury, they can be categorized into anterior horn, body, and posterior horn tears. Current diagnostic methods, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and arthroscopy, which have high accuracy. However, limitations in accessibility and invasiveness are their drawbacks. Treatment selection hinges on tear stability, pattern, site, age, activity demand, and cartilage status. For stable and degenerative tears, conservative treatments such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, and intra-articular injections are preferred, while surgical options such as meniscus repair, partial meniscectomy, or transplantation are reserved for unstable, traumatic, or complex tears. Emerging therapies such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) injections, and tissue engineering are promising in promoting meniscus regeneration and delaying osteoarthritis, while their long-term efficacy and safety still require further verification. This review summarizes the classification, diagnosis, and promising treatment patterns for meniscus tears, emphasizing the importance of individualized management and the potential of regenerative medicine approaches.