Meniscal tear

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Inappropriately managed meniscal tears and tears resulting in meniscus repair or partial meniscectomy predispose patients to develop degenerative arthritis. This is largely due to the increased intra-articular contact stresses associated with a compromised meniscus.

Time since meniscectomy is considered a predictive factor for developing degenerative arthritis, with outcome further influenced by activity level and BMI of the patient, quality of repair, ligament stability, and pre-existing arthritic changes. [30]

Regular follow-up care to promote proper muscle conditioning, flexibility, healthy body weight, and correct alignment helps prevent this complication.