Surgical management of meniscal tears.

The menisci have an essential function in force transmission across the knee. Injuries to the menisci are common. The indications for repair should be expanded, as the results of partial meniscectomy may deteriorate over time. Tears in younger, higher demand patients should be prepared to optimize the healing environment and be meticulously repaired, particularly in the setting of concurrent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. For complex, recurrent, or avascular zone tears, particularly when surgery is limited to meniscal work, consideration can be given to augmenting the repair with a fibrin clot or platelet rich plasma. Partial meniscectomy is a suitable option for lower demand or older patients. Meniscal allograft transplantation is a salvage procedure.