Radial tears associated with cleavage tears of the medial meniscus in athletes

Purpose: To evaluate the significance of a small radial tear in the root of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus in an otherwise normal-looking meniscus in individuals who play vigorous sports. Type of Study: Retrospective review. Methods: Arthroscopy was performed in 1,270 patients; 11 patients (0.86%) had a small radial tear in the root of the medial meniscus. Trimming of the tear revealed a large horizontal cleavage tear of the posterior horn and body of the meniscus. The average age of the affected patients was 29.6 years (range, 21 to 45 years), and all were active in sports. Magnetic resonance imaging was of dubious diagnostic value. Three patients had undergone previous arthroscopy at which time the small radial root tear had been noted but was not thought to warrant treatment. Results: All 11 patients returned to their former levels of activity after adequate surgery. Conclusions: When a radial root tear in the medial meniscus is found in an athletic patient, the edges of the tear should be trimmed, the root of the medial meniscus examined, and any additional torn cartilage resected.