Arthroscopic management of meniscal injuries.

The use of the arthroscope in the diagnosis, classification, and management of meniscal disorders is the most common use of arthroscopic surgery in the knee. There are numerous recent advances in technology and technique that now permit improved diagnosis and treatment of meniscal disorders by arthroscopy. The management of meniscal disorders involves the diagnostic identification of the type of meniscal lesion by examination, imaging studies, and arthroscopy. Identification of the lesion, in turn, would lead to a decision as to whether removal or reattachment of the torn portion of meniscus should be undertaken. This is an important decision to reach based on the anatomy of the meniscal tear, because preservation of the menisci is important in maintaining stability and in guarding against articular cartilage degeneration of the knee joint. The treatment of meniscal disorders no longer requires hospitalization or prolonged recovery. The future holds promise for office arthroscopy, advances in meniscal repair technique, and meniscal transplantation.