Meniscal Tear Repair: What's New in the Literature?

Abstract

Meniscal tear repair has become the gold standard modality for treating different types of meniscal tears. Despite the availability of numerous repair techniques, the ideal approach remains unclear, especially for complex and irreparable tears. Recently, innovative techniques have emerged to address these challenges, including hybrid/salvage techniques, meniscal scaffolds, and the introduction of biologics as part of the treatment. However, to date, no comprehensive review has provided an overview of the latter adjuncts to surgical intervention and aid in the management of irreparable meniscal tears. This study aims to fill this gap by examining the most common meniscal tear repair techniques, with a particular emphasis on the latest advancements in hybrid and salvage strategies. In addition, we will explore the role of biologics, including platelet-rich plasma and stem cells, in enhancing repair outcomes and assisting less experienced surgeons in treating complex, irreparable tears.