[Meniscus resection versus reattachment of the meniscus]

Stable partial-thickness tears, longitudinal tears of less than 5 mm length and short (5 mm or less) radial tears can sometimes be left alone. Tears known to be definitely repairable are traumatic longitudinal tears within the vascular zone of the meniscus with minimal damage to the meniscus body fragment. When an attempt is to be made to repair tears in the avascular zone, it is necessary to utilize healing-enhancement techniques such as synovial fringe rasping and fibrin clot insertion. The survival rate for repaired menisci at a minimum follow-up time of 10 years was 79% in the author's cases. Intermediate (5 year) results after partial meniscectomy show a diminished incidence of post-surgical degenerative changes when compared to total meniscectomy.