Patient centered strategies to prevent osteoarthritis after meniscus injury

Abstract

This thesis has contributed to the understanding of meniscus tissue, the development of meniscus tears, and the long-term results of currently available treatments, while demonstrating different options to improve meniscus regeneration. In addition, this thesis showed the importance of patient-centered care in outcome measures after sports related knee surgery. Finding the optimal treatment for meniscus tears to reduce symptoms in the acute setting and prevent the development of early osteoarthritis (OA) at long-term follow-up remains a challenge for orthopedic surgeons. This thesis provided evidence to reduce acute symptoms of meniscus lesions using meniscus repair and demonstrated the in vitro possibilities for a one-stage cell-based meniscus repair. The results obtained in the in vitro studies can be translated to a clinical trial to restore the native meniscus tissue and function after acute tears of the meniscus in young and active patients.