In this review article, the authors describe the most current knowledge surrounding meniscal root tears with a primary focus on diagnosis, management, and implications for the health of the knee joint. Historically overlooked or treated with meniscectomy, meniscal root tears are now known to disrupt the biomechanical role of the meniscus in the joint, leading to the rapid development of knee osteoarthritis. Tears of the medial and lateral posterior meniscal roots are associated with differing etiologies and sequelae, especially in regard to their action as secondary stabilizers of the knee, making root tears an important consideration in ligament reconstruction surgery. We will discuss diagnostic challenges and well-established hallmarks of meniscus tears on imaging, and will conclude by explaining the preferred method for surgical repair of the meniscal roots and appropriate rehabilitation.

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Meniscal root tears are an increasingly recognized condition. These tears can cause the meniscus to become extruded outside the joint, which can diminish the biomechanical functionality of the meniscus. Anatomic repair of the meniscal root has previously been described, but this surgical procedure may not adequately address severe extrusion of the meniscal tissue. Additionally, when a primary anatomic repair fails, meniscal extrusion can increase, which can possibly accelerate joint degeneration if untreated. Therefore, the purpose of this Technical Note is to describe our surgical technique for revision medial meniscal root repair with a peripheral stabilization suture to address medial meniscal root tears with severe meniscal extrusion.

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with a bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) or hamstring tendon (HT) autograft has traditionally been the preferred surgical treatment for patients returning to Level 1 sports. More recently, international utilization of the quadriceps tendon (QT) autograft for primary and revision ACLR has increased in popularity. Recent literature suggests that ACLR with the QT may yield less donor site morbidity than the BPTB and better patient-reported outcomes than the HT. Additionally, anatomic and biomechanical studies have highlighted the robust properties of the QT itself, with superior levels of collagen density, length, size, and load-to-failure strength compared to the BPTB. Although previous literature has described rehabilitation considerations for the BPTB and HT autografts, there is less published with respect to the QT. Given the known impact of the various ACLR surgical techniques on postoperative rehabilitation, the purpose of this clinical commentary is to present the procedure-specific surgical and rehabilitation considerations for ACLR with the QT, as well as further highlight the need for procedure-specific rehabilitation strategies after ACLR by comparing the QT to the BPTB and HT autografts. Level of Evidence Level 5

There is a paucity of evidence-based care protocols for the management of patellofemoral (PF) joint conditions. There remains ambiguity in defining conditions; PF pain, malalignment, instability are intersecting patient cohorts in clinical practice. Treatment should address muscle strength deficits as well as movement pattern dysfunctions frequently observed in association with PF conditions. Quadriceps muscle dysfunction has significant heterogeneity in its etiology. The hip contributes to PF pathology as a consequence of femoral internal rotation and adduction. Inadequate gluteus medius ans maximus muscle performance is associated with kinematic flaws. Various surgical procedures are employed to address PF instability and associated pain patterns. Postoperative progressions should respect specific demands for bony healing, soft tissue healing and/or ligamentous graft incorporation. Symptomatic cartilage lesions may limit return to full function. Physical performance testing activities can be useful to measure patient progress and advise on return to activity/play.