From the Research
The meniscus receives limited blood flow, primarily in its outer third, which is crucial for understanding treatment approaches for meniscal injuries. The blood supply to the meniscus is a key factor in determining the healing potential of meniscal tears, with the outer third, or "red zone," having the most abundant blood supply 1. This vascular supply comes from the medial and lateral genicular arteries that surround the knee joint. The middle third of the meniscus has less blood supply and is called the "red-white zone," while the inner third is completely avascular (lacks blood vessels) and is termed the "white zone" 1.
The limited vascularity of the meniscus is due to its dense collagenous structure and function as a load-bearing cushion between the femur and tibia. Recent studies have explored new therapeutic options for regenerating injured meniscal tissue, including biologic augmentation and material-based systems to promote meniscal healing 2. Understanding the blood supply pattern of the meniscus is essential for clinicians when determining treatment approaches for meniscal injuries, as the location of the tear significantly influences healing potential and treatment decisions 3, 4.
Some key points to consider when evaluating the blood supply to the meniscus include:
- The outer third of the meniscus has the most abundant blood supply, making it more amenable to healing and repair 1
- The middle third of the meniscus has less blood supply, and the inner third is completely avascular 1
- The limited vascularity of the meniscus is due to its dense collagenous structure and function as a load-bearing cushion between the femur and tibia
- Recent studies have explored new therapeutic options for regenerating injured meniscal tissue, including biologic augmentation and material-based systems to promote meniscal healing 2, 4