Degenerative Meniscus Tear in Older Athletes

Abstract

Older athletes consist of a relatively healthier population with a high desire for return to sport despite knee injury. A meniscal tear is a common injury that has lasting impacts on joint function and activity level. Lower extremity loading from sporting activity in conjunction with degenerative meniscal changes increases the risk of meniscal tear in older athletes. Optimal treatment of degenerative meniscal tears is often debated with varying studies reporting the benefits of strictly nonoperative treatment or the value of surgery. Postoperative rehabilitation is crucial to enhance the possibility of return to sport.

Keywords: Degenerative meniscus; Meniscal injury; Meniscus tear; Older athlete; Partial meniscectomy.