Treatment of Old Bucket-Handle Tear When Arthroscopic Meniscus Repair Has Not Achieved Healing

An old bucket-handle tear is a displaced or chronic meniscal tear pattern. Surgical repair is the preferred initial intervention, but when repair does not result in meniscus healing, a further arthroscopic approach becomes the relevant next step. This page describes that clinical scenario and points to the structured management protocol.

Previous Treatment — Goal Not Met

The first-line intervention for this tear pattern is arthroscopic meniscus repair. The primary goal of that procedure is meniscus healing. This protocol is relevant when that healing goal has not been achieved, and repair is no longer a viable option.

Next-Step Approach (Partial Overview)

When meniscus repair cannot be applied or has failed, an arthroscopic procedure directed at the tear itself may be appropriate. This approach is applicable in select configurations where repair is no longer feasible. The full clinical criteria, sequencing, and decision algorithm are contained in the complete protocol.

Instant Access to Structured Evidence-Based Regimens

References

DOI: 10.1007/s00167-020-05847-3

Partial meniscectomy of traumatic meniscus tears should only be applied if the other two treatment options are not applicable, e.g., in complex tears, tears with a high degree of degeneration, flap tears or nonreducible bucket handle tears.

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