[Diagnostic and therapeutic standard in meniscus lesions--results of a survey]

With a survey among surgeons and orthopaedic surgeons in German speaking countries the presently applied diagnostic and therapeutic schemes of meniscus lesions were investigated. In 322 questionnaires altogether 43.958 meniscus lesions were reported. In over 90% arthroscopy serves as diagnostic and therapeutic tool. Two thirds of the surgeons suture a longitudinal tear of the outer zone of the meniscus, all the other meniscus lesions were foremost treated by partial resection. The postoperative treatment after meniscus surgery is very inconsistent. Altogether less preserving meniscus operations were performed than it would be possible according to the literature. On one hand new therapy regimens are acknowledged by clinical practice with considerable delay, on the other hand the importance of menisci for the integrity of the knee-joint necessitates a further improvement of reconstructive techniques for preservation of the menisci.