Where a meniscus tear occurs is one of the most
important things that affects healing. Tears at the outer edge (red zone) tend to heal
well because there is a good blood supply. The inner area (white zone) lacks a
good blood supply and therefore does not heal well.
The type of
tear often determines whether a tear can be repaired. Longitudinal tears are often repairable. Radial tears may be
repairable depending on where they are located. Oblique (flap)
tears and another type called horizontal tears are generally not repairable.
ByHealthwise Staff Primary Medical ReviewerWilliam H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Specialist Medical ReviewerPatrick J. McMahon, MD - Orthopedic Surgery
Medical Review:
William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Patrick J. McMahon, MD - Orthopedic Surgery
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