The menisci: basic science and advances in treatment.

Once described as a muscle remnant, and therefore treated with disrespect, the meniscus is now known to be a vital structure within the knee. Minimal partial meniscectomy performed arthroscopically, or meniscal repair when practical, have become the standard treatments. In spite of the advancements in understanding meniscal function and its preservation, much remains to be studied. In the future, availability of better repair techniques and the option of meniscal replacement with allograft or prosthetic menisci are expected to improve outcomes.