Combined Root and Body Lateral Meniscus Tears in the Adolescent Population: An Underrecognized and Underreported Tear Pattern

The authors aimed to investigate the incidence and associations of combined root and body (CRAB) tears of the lateral meniscus in adolescent patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. They found that CRAB tears were present in 10.1% of all ACL surgeries and were often underdiagnosed, with a significant correlation to nonclassic bone bruising and higher body mass index. The study highlights the importance of thorough evaluation for posterior root tears when a radial tear of the meniscal body is identified.