Objective To examine the research status and predict trends in ME research findings from 1997-2023 on a global scale. Methods Web of Science Core Collection database was searched for original articles on ME published between 1997 and 2023, and then analyzed using CiteSpace, VOSviewer and the Online Analysis Platform of Literature Metrology to map scientific knowledge. Results A total of 748 articles were eventually included. The number of ME publications increased year by year, with the USA being the most productive country. Osteoarthritis, MRI, medial meniscus posterior root repair, biomechanical evaluation, lateral meniscus allograft transplantation, radiographic joint space narrowing are the high frequency keywords in co-occurrence cluster analysis and cocited reference cluster analysis. Medial meniscus posterior root tear and lateral meniscus allograft transplantation are current and evolving research hotspots in citation burst detection analysis. Conclusions The understanding of ME has been improved significantly during the past decades. Current research focuses on optimizing surgical repair methods and obtaining long-term follow-up outcomes for medial meniscal posterior root repair and developing methods to reduce ME after lateral meniscal allograft, as well as they are the highlights of future research on ME.
Objective To review the biomechanical rationale, surgical techniques, and clinical outcomes of meniscal centralization for degenerative medial meniscus extrusion. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted on recent domestic and international studies focusing on biomechanics, surgical methods, and clinical applications of meniscal centralization. Results Meniscus extrusion (radial displacement ≥3 mm beyond the tibial plateau) is commonly associated with degenerative knee conditions, leading to meniscal dysfunction and accelerated osteoarthritis progression. Meniscal centralization is a surgical technique that reduces extrusion by suturing the displaced meniscus back to the tibial plateau, thereby restoring its coverage and load-sharing function. Biomechanical studies have demonstrated its efficacy in reducing extrusion and improving joint contact mechanics. Surgical techniques primarily include the Pull-out method and anchor-based fixation, often supplemented by Pie-crusting release and meniscal mobilization to facilitate reduction. Clinical evidence suggests that centralization, either alone or combined with high tibial osteotomy and/or meniscal root repair, can improve short-term functional scores, reduce extrusion, and potentially delay joint degeneration. Conclusion Meniscal centralization represents a promising joint-preserving technique with favorable biomechanical and early clinical outcomes. However, its long-term efficacy warrants further investigation through high-quality studies.
