Objective: To analyze the causes of meniscal root tears (MRTs), and to review the progress in its diagnosis and therapy.
Methods: The published literature about MRTs was extensively reviewed and summarized.
Results: MRTs can be divided into acute traumatic injuries and chronic degenerative injuries; MRI examination is an effective way to diagnose according to meniscal extrusion, ghost sign, and meniscal root linear defects. Conservative treatments are mainly performed for chronic MRTs; partial meniscectomy can obtain predictable improvement in symptoms. Acute MRTs can be treated by arthroscopic meniscus repair and reconstruction which can effectively restore meniscal root anatomy and function, and knee joint degeneration can be postponed.
Conclusion: MRTs diagnosis relies on MRI, appropriate treatment plan should be made based on the specific circumstances of the patient after accurate diagnosis. Usually the satisfied short-term clinical results can be obtained, while the long-term results need more clinical evaluation.