Advancements in Meniscus Treatments | Meniscus Doctor | Dr. Bill Sterett

Описание: In this Sports Medicine Minute, Dr. Sterett discusses the latest advancements in meniscus treatment. Should a torn meniscus be repaired? Can it be repaired? And what happens if it isn’t?

The meniscus is a C-shaped cushion between the femur and tibia that acts as a shock absorber for the knee. Small meniscus tears can sometimes be stitched back together, but whether they heal depends largely on their location. The outer half of the meniscus has a good blood supply, which allows for better healing, but this supply diminishes with age. By age 40, we lose nearly half of the blood flow to the meniscus, making fewer small tears suitable for repair.

Because of this, it’s crucial to make an informed decision about which meniscus tears can and cannot be repaired. Dr. Sterett only repairs tears that have a high likelihood of healing. Weighing the risks of healing versus non-healing is an important discussion to have with your surgeon.

If a meniscus tear is causing symptoms such as catching or locking, it may be damaging the knee and no longer providing proper cushioning. In symptomatic cases, treatment—whether repair or trimming—is often recommended. However, if a tear is asymptomatic, treatment may not be necessary.

Emerging treatments, including stem cells, PRP therapy, and newer implant techniques, offer additional options for repairing meniscus tears in a less invasive way. Be sure to ask your doctor about the type of tear you have and the chances of successful healing to make the best decision for your knee health.

To learn more about Dr. Sterett, visit: https://drsterett.com/