Editorial Commentary: Radial Meniscal Tears Are Tough! Surgeons Need to Understand When and How to Repair Them.

Abstract

Radial meniscal tears pose a particularly difficult challenge, in terms of both management options and surgical techniques. A recent literature has sought to establish a consensus on risk factors, diagnosis, nonsurgical and surgical treatment options, rehabilitation, and outcomes on radial meniscal tears. A Level V expert opinion study came to ≥80% consensus on 42 statements, 7 of which had 100% agreement from the panelists. We agree that, for degenerative tears, tissue quality, limb alignment, and degree of osteoarthritis need to be factored into decision-making. Furthermore, for acute traumatic complete radial tears (medial or lateral), meticulous surgical planning is necessary, and surgeons need to be familiar with all the different suturing techniques required to anatomically repair these challenging tears.