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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
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Destabilization of the Medial Meniscus and Cartilage Scratch Murine Model of Accelerated Osteoarthritis
Published on: July 6, 2022
The meniscus in knee osteoarthritis
Martin Englund1, Ali Guermazi, L Stefan Lohmander
1Musculoskeletal Sciences, Department of Orthopedics, Klinikgatan 22, Lund University Hospital, SE-221 85 Lund, Sweden. martin.englund@med.lu.se
Rheumatic Diseases Clinics of North America
|November 26, 2009
Summary
Meniscal tears are common in osteoarthritis (OA) knees, but many are asymptomatic. Degenerative meniscal lesions often indicate early knee OA, and surgery may not address the underlying condition.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Radiology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- The meniscus is vital for knee joint shock absorption and load distribution.
- Meniscal damage is frequently observed in osteoarthritis (OA) knee MRIs, presenting as various tear types or maceration.
- Asymptomatic meniscal lesions are common incidental findings in older adults, complicating treatment decisions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the relationship between meniscal tears and knee osteoarthritis.
- To evaluate the implications of asymptomatic meniscal lesions in the context of knee OA.
- To inform treatment strategies for degenerative meniscal lesions.
Main Methods:
- Review of MRI findings in knee osteoarthritis.
- Analysis of the association between meniscal lesions and OA progression.
- Evaluation of clinical outcomes following surgical intervention for degenerative meniscal lesions.
Main Results:
- Meniscal damage, including tears and maceration, is a frequent MRI finding in OA knees.
- Degenerative meniscal lesions often correlate with early-stage knee OA.
- Surgical resection of nonobstructive degenerative lesions may not resolve OA symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Meniscal tears can be both a cause and consequence of knee osteoarthritis.
- Asymptomatic meniscal lesions in OA patients require careful consideration for appropriate management.
- Treatment decisions for degenerative meniscal lesions should account for the underlying OA.
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