The Role of Meniscus Repair Surgery in Preventing Knee Osteoarthritis

Published at: 27/9/2025

Understanding the Link Between Meniscus Tears and Osteoarthritis

The meniscus plays a vital role in stabilising the knee joint and distributing loads during movement. Tears in the meniscus are not only painful and limiting, but they can also accelerate the development of osteoarthritis (OA) if left untreated. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterised by cartilage degradation, joint pain, and stiffness. Meniscus tears can disrupt joint mechanics, increasing cartilage stress and wear, leading to OA progression. Understanding this link is crucial for patients and clinicians alike, emphasizing the importance of timely and effective meniscus repair to maintain joint health.

Meniscus Repair Surgery as a Preventative Measure

Meniscus repair surgery serves as an important intervention to prevent the progression of osteoarthritis by restoring knee stability and function. When successful, it can re-establish the shock-absorbing capabilities of the meniscus, reducing abnormal joint loading and therefore slowing cartilage wear. This preservative approach contrasts with meniscectomy, a procedure that removes part of the meniscus and has been associated with higher rates of OA development. By opting for repair whenever feasible, particularly in younger and active patients, the risk of future joint degeneration is substantially diminished.

Long-Term Benefits of Meniscus Repair

In the long term, meniscus repair has numerous benefits, including preserving knee function and potentially delaying the need for more extensive procedures like knee replacement surgery. Studies show that patients who undergo meniscus repair experience better joint function and lower incidence of OA than those who have a meniscus removed. This decreased likelihood of osteoarthritis not only enhances quality of life but also reduces the long-term healthcare costs associated with managing chronic joint conditions and their complications.

Challenges in Reducing Osteoarthritis Risks

Despite its benefits, not every meniscus tear is suitable for repair. Factors such as tear type, location, and the patient’s age or activity level can influence the decision towards repair. Even when repair is possible, the procedure’s success heavily relies on patient adherence to post-operative rehabilitation protocols. Moreover, not all patients respond uniformly to surgery; some may still develop osteoarthritis due to underlying genetic or biomechanical predispositions. Hence, managing expectations and understanding individual risk profiles are critical in treatment planning.

The Future of Osteoarthritis Prevention Via Meniscus Repair

The future of meniscus repair in osteoarthritis prevention involves continuous advancements in surgical techniques and post-operative care. Innovations such as biocompatible meniscus scaffolds and tissue engineering hold promise in augmenting repair success rates. Additionally, integrating diagnostic technologies such as MRI-based assessments to better predict repairability and outcome can enhance decision-making processes. With further research, these developments could lead to highly tailored interventions that significantly mitigate osteoarthritis risks for more patients.

Papers for Further Reading

Xie, Y., Jiang, H., Wang, S., et al. (2022). Effect of platelet-rich plasma on meniscus repair surgery: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Medicine.
Vaquero, J., & Forriol, F. (2016). Meniscus tear surgery and meniscus replacement. Muscles Ligaments and Tendons Journal.
Kahan, J. B., Burroughs, P. J., et al. (2023). Rates of subsequent surgeries after meniscus repair with and without concurrent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. PLOS ONE.

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