As Goes the Meniscus Goes the Knee: Early, Intermediate, and Late Evidence for the Detrimental Effect of Meniscus Tears

The meniscus plays an important, complex role in maintaining the homeostasis and health of the knee. Meniscal tears are a risk factor for early chondral injury and eventually knee osteoarthritis. There is a growing body of evidence about the early biological changes associated with meniscal injury that likely start the process of joint degeneration. This review highlights the basic science, translational and clinical studies of the detrimental effects of meniscal injury and deficiency on the biology of the knee.