A clinical practice review: augmentation of meniscoligamentous structures for primary prevention of knee joint...

Meniscus and ligament injuries of the knee can have significant implications on both short-term activity level as well as long-term knee health. While great advancements in technique and treatment strategy for these injuries have been made in recent years, clinical failure and progressive joint deterioration remain significant concerns. At the same time, technical advancements are being made throughout orthopedics, especially in the field of sports medicine. Many of these developing technologies focus on augmenting stability in the early postoperative period while optimizing biology, with the end goal of a well-integrated repair or reconstruction of the injured structure. Although these technologies are rapidly expanding, with many similar ideas developing in parallel, a basic understanding of the current landscape will be necessary to incorporate them into practice moving forward. Four main augmentation strategies pertaining to meniscoligamentous injuries involve suture, scaffolds, allograft, and biologics. Although the literature is in its infancy for some of these techniques, short- and mid-term outcomes have been promising for many of them. Direct comparison between techniques is often limited by heterogeneity in their application and study design. Ultimately, further study and appropriate incorporation of these augmentation strategies will help to improve current surgical technique with the goal of improving short-term recovery and long-term joint health for patients with meniscoligamentous injuries. This article provides an overview of the current landscape of strategies and technologies in augmentation of meniscus and ligament surgery.