This protocol addresses an old bucket-handle meniscus tear that is nonreducible, occurring in a patient with a stable knee and intact anterior cruciate ligament. The combination of chronicity and inability to reduce the tear defines the specific surgical decision-making context for this presentation.
A nonreducible bucket-handle tear represents a distinct challenge among meniscal injuries. Standard repair options may not be applicable in such cases — including complex tear morphology and situations where reduction is not achievable. The stability of the knee (intact ligaments, no ACL involvement) is a key factor that informs the treatment pathway for this scenario.
The structured protocol for this scenario involves a partial meniscus replacement approach — a surgical option considered when other meniscal interventions are not applicable or have not succeeded.
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.
In the current study, a stable knee has intact ligaments.
Partial meniscus replacement may be considered for patients with failed meniscus surgeries and meniscus-related complaints.
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