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Peripheral Meniscal Tears: How to Diagnose and Repair

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Abstract

Peripheral meniscal tears are among the most common causes of meniscal pathology, particularly occurring in conjunction with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury or deficiency. Although the diagnosis can be challenging in the clinical setting, effective history taking, physical exam, and diagnostic imaging have been shown to be valuable, especially when used in combination. Several physical examination maneuvers are effective in leading to a diagnosis of a torn meniscus, which are then followed by imaging studies to aid in the evaluation of meniscal injury and associated pathology. The current gold standard imaging modality for meniscus pathology is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), but other modalities have been used with moderate success. Given their location in the most vascular portion of the meniscus, the best method for managing peripheral tears has been debated and widely studied. New techniques have been developed with the objectives of lowering complications, minimizing invasive procedures, and restoring the biomechanical properties of the menisci. With their high potential for healing, peripheral tears have been reported to have excellent outcomes after early repair and effective rehabilitation protocols.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Steadman Philippon Research Institute, The Steadman Clinic, Vail, CO, USA

    Jorge Chahla MD

  2. Steadman Philippon Research Institute, Vail, CO, USA

    Bradley M. Kruckeberg & Gilbert Moatshe

  3. The Steadman Clinic, 181 West Meadow Drive, Suite 400, Vail, CO, 81657, USA

    Robert F. LaPrade

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  1. Jorge Chahla MD
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  3. Gilbert Moatshe
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Correspondence to Jorge Chahla MD .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Steadman Philippon Research Institute, Vail, Colorado, USA

    Robert F. LaPrade

  2. University of Minnesota Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

    Elizabeth A. Arendt

  3. University of Western Ontario Fowler Kennedy Sport Medicine Clinic, London, Ontario, Canada

    Alan Getgood

  4. The Orthopaedic Center, P.A., Washington, District of Columbia, USA

    Scott C. Faucett

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Chahla, J., Kruckeberg, B.M., Moatshe, G., LaPrade, R.F. (2017). Peripheral Meniscal Tears: How to Diagnose and Repair. In: LaPrade, R., Arendt, E., Getgood, A., Faucett, S. (eds) The Menisci. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-53792-3_7

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