Effects of different surgical procedures for meniscus injury on two-year clinical and radiological outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions. -TMDU MAKS study

BackgroundThe treatment of meniscus injuries combined with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction would be important to improve outcomes after ACL reconstruction. However, the effects of treatment methods for meniscus after ACL reconstruction have not been thoroughly investigated. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of treatment methods for meniscus on clinical and radiological outcomes at 2 years after ACL reconstruction.MethodsThree-hundred and eighteen patients with primary ACL reconstruction using autologous hamstring tendon registered in our multicenter study database and who were followed up for 2 years were included. They were then divided into 3 groups, the no meniscal lesion/untreated group (n = 149), the meniscal repair group (n = 139), and the meniscal resection group (n = 30). Patient-based subjective evaluations (Lysholm score, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome score and International Knee Documentation Committee subjective score), objective evaluations (Lachman test, pivot shift test and KT measurement), and radiological measurements (medial and lateral joint space width) were compared among the 3 groups preoperatively and at 2 years follow-up.ResultsAll subjective scores and objective evaluations significantly improved in all groups without significant differences among the groups postoperatively. Regarding radiological findings, the medial joint space width significantly decreased only in the resection group during the 2-year period, and the medial joint space width in the resection group was significantly smaller than that of the other groups at the 2-year follow-up. Moreover, the medial joint space width significantly decreased during the 2-year period when MM was resected.ConclusionsIn radiological findings, medial meniscus resection decreased medial joint space width two years after ACL reconstruction. On the other hand, treatment methods for meniscus neither significantly affected subjective nor objective findings until the 2-year follow-up.Level of evidenceⅡ, Cohort study.     

A Prospective Observational Study on Short-Term Functional Outcome of Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair of Proximal Tears Using Knotless Single Suture Anchor Technique

PurposeTo assess the clinical outcomes in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) proximal tears undergoing arthroscopic primary repair with knotless single suture anchor technique.MethodsThe first twenty-two consecutive patients with proximal ACL tears (Sherman types I and II and high-grade partial tears) treated with arthroscopic primary repair with single suture anchor technique were evaluated until 6 months post-operatively. Patients were evaluated with validated functional outcome measures (IKDC and Lysholm scores) and clinical tests for ACL stability.ResultsAt 6-month follow-up, 91% of patients (n = 20) achieved excellent outcome measures for IKDC and Lysholm scores and had complete stability of the ACL to clinical testing. Two patients with poor outcomes at six weeks; one with subjective instability and the other underwent revision surgery represented a failure rate of 9%. The median Lysholm score was 96 (IQ range, 96–100) and median IKDC subjective score was 87.40 (IQ range, 78.20–88.50) at 6-month follow-up. The improvement in Lysholm and IKDC scores over a period of six months post-operatively was statistically significant when compared to preoperative scores (p ≪ 0.0001). Maximum improvement in clinical outcomes is achieved in the first 6 weeks post-surgery with a slower increase thereafter, a time interval which may be considered as a figurative yield point for future work in this field.ConclusionArthroscopic ACL primary repair with knotless single suture anchor technique provides excellent short-term clinical outcomes in a carefully selected subset of patients with proximal ACL tears. More powered and longer duration studies are needed to understand longer term outcomes.Level of EvidenceLevel IV, therapeutic case series.     

Meniscus Tears: Treatment in the Stable and Unstable Knee

Basic science research and follow-up studies after meniscectomy have provided convincing evidence of the importance of preservation of the meniscus in decreasing the risk of late degenerative changes. Whether in a stable or an unstable knee, if a meniscus tear cannot be repaired, a conservative partial meniscectomy should be undertaken to preserve as much meniscal tissue as possible. When feasible, repair should be carried out in young patients with an isolated meniscus tear, despite healing rates that are significantly lower than those obtained when meniscus repair is done with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The incidence of successful healing is inversely related to the rim width and tear length. In general, meniscus repair should be limited to patients under 50 years of age. Vertical longitudinal tears, including bucket-handle tears, are most amenable to repair. Some radial split tears can be repaired. In an ACL-deficient knee, meniscus repair is more prone to failure if not performed in conjunction with an ACL reconstruction, and is not recommended. Meniscal allograft surgery is investigational but may hold promise for selected patients.     

Strong association of meniscus tears with complete Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries relative to partial ACL injuries

BackgroundAnterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries are often associated with meniscus tears. These meniscus tears in long term may affect the functional outcomes after ACL reconstruction. The present study aims to identify the incidence and relative association of meniscus injuries in complete and partial ACL injuries.MethodsThis was a retrospective study. Patients were divided into 2 groups; group I: partial ACL tear and group 2: complete ACL tear. Both groups were assessed for meniscal tears; either isolated medial/lateral or combined and odds ratio was measured between two groups.ResultsA total of 43 and 219 patients were enrolled in group I and II respectively. The mean age (years) in group I and II were 25.32 ± 7.12 and 28.64 ± 10.84 respectively. There were a total of 5 and 28 females in group I and II respectively. Mean pre-injury Tegner score in group I and II was 7.02 ± 2.87 and 6.82 ± 3.14 respectively. Mean time from injury to surgery (months) in group I and II was 8.04 ± 6.43 and 7.62 ± 4.83 respectively. In group 1 There were a total of 6 with lateral meniscus tears, 9 with medial meniscus tears And 3 with combined meniscal tears in group 1 while in group 2, 47 had lateral meniscal tears, 71 had medial meniscal tears and 71 had combined tears. Group II patients had stronger association for isolated meniscal tears compared to group I, with an odds ratio of 5.05(p < 0.05). Combined meniscal tears had non-significant relation in two groups (p = 0.58).ConclusionPartial ACL injuries present with less risk of acquiring isolated meniscus tears, compared to complete ACL injuries.     

Regeneration of ring-shaped lateral meniscus after partial resection of discoid meniscus with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

INTRODUCTIONThe ring-shaped lateral meniscus is very rare. Although it is essentially known as a congenital anomaly, a central tear in an incomplete discoid meniscus or an old bucket-handle tear in a meniscus may be easily mistaken for a ring-shaped meniscus. We experienced a ring-shaped lateral meniscus that regenerated after partial resection of a discoid meniscus together with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.PRESENTATION OF CASEA 37-year-old female patient still experienced unrelenting knee pain 6 months after ACL reconstruction and partial meniscectomy of a discoid lateral meniscus. A repeat arthroscopy was performed. The lateral tibial plateau was covered in the form of a ring by meniscus-like tissue. The meniscus-like tissue appeared to have regenerated inward toward the center from the stump after the partial meniscectomy and was connected from the anterior to posterior horn, forming an interhorn bridge. Partial meniscectomy was repeated. Histologically, the regenerated tissue was not meniscal, but comprised mature fibrocartilage; macroscopically; however, it was very similar to meniscal tissue. Two years after the initial operation, the patient had no complaints and experienced full return of function.DISCUSSIONThe reason for such regeneration is unknown, but may have been attributed to the specific intra-articular environment that developed after the ACL reconstruction.CONCLUSIONThis is the first report of regenerative development of a ring-shaped lateral meniscus. When a ring-shaped lateral meniscus is diagnosed, we must accurately determine whether it is a true congenital anomaly in consideration of the present case.     

Allograft ligament transplantation in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction patients with meniscal tears

Background

It currently remains unclear whether the meniscal repair clinical results were affected by the graft used in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. This retrospective study designed to evaluate the difference in clinical outcomes of meniscal repair using autograft and allograft for the ACL reconstruction.

Methods

The injury of the ACL and meniscus was evaluated with MRI and treated simultaneously. One hundred and eighty-nine cases were initially fulfilled the study criteria, and had the surgery in the period June 2007 and July 2010. Thirty-four patients were lost to follow-up. Seventy-five patients underwent meniscus repair with autograft reconstruction of the ACL (autograft group) and 80 patients underwent meniscus repair with allograft reconstruction of the ACL (allograft group).

Results

The meniscus healing rate based on the clinical examination of Barrett’s criteria was 81.3 % (61/75) in the autograft group and 80.0 % (64/80) in the allograft (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the Lysholm scores in the allograft group compared to the allograft group (89.1 ± 10.6 versus 88.7 ± 11.2, P > 0.05). The values of immunoglobulin’s and complements (IgG, IgA, IgM, C3 and C4) were not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The data support our assumption that patients undergoing meniscal repair associated with ACL reconstruction with allograft had good clinical outcomes. Although allograft implantation induces an immunological response on a subclinical level, there were no signs of allograft affecting the nature of meniscus healing.     

分期修复重建膝关节多发韧带损伤的临床疗效

目的 :探讨关节镜下分期治疗膝关节多发韧带损伤的临床疗效。方法 :2006年3月至2012年6月,关节镜下分期治疗膝关节多发韧带损伤14例(14膝)。男8例,女6例;年龄20~49岁,平均(31.8±8.1)岁。患者均行X线、MR检查,提示10例前交叉韧带、后交叉韧带及内侧副韧带损伤,4例前交叉韧带、后交叉韧带及后外侧角损伤。合并内侧半月板损伤4例,外侧半月板损伤2例。Ⅰ期手术治疗内侧副韧带损伤、后交叉韧带及半月板,术后固定3周后开始主被动功能锻炼,3~6个月后膝关节活动范围正常且存在明显松弛时Ⅱ期重建前交叉韧带和(或)后交叉韧带。结果:术后切口均Ⅰ期愈合,无感染等手术相关并发症发生。患者均获随访,时间24~80个月,平均48.9个月。末次随访时膝关节Lysholm评分达87.1±2.8,优于术前19.6±0.9(t=12.3,P0.01)。国际膝关节评分委员会(International Knee Documentation Committee,IKDC)评级:9例接近正常,5例异常。结论 :关节镜下分期治疗膝关节多发韧带损伤能有效恢复膝关节稳定性和功能。     

Factors Affecting the Femoral Cartilage Thickness After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the changes in the distal femoral cartilage thickness in patients that underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and to analyze their association with concomitant meniscal surgery, knee muscle strength, kinesophobia, and physical activity level.MethodsThe demographic characteristics and surgical data of 47 male patients that underwent unilateral ACLR (mean, 27.55 ± 5.63; range, 18–40 years) were evaluated. The patients were assessed in three groups depending on surgery: isolated ACLR (n = 15), ACLR + partial medial meniscus resection (ACLR&M) (n = 16), and ACLR + medial meniscus repair (ACLR&MR) (n = 16). The medial (MCCT), intercondylar (ICCT), and lateral (LCCT) femoral cartilage thicknesses on both limbs were measured using ultrasonography. The extensor and flexor muscles strength of the knees was assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer at 60°/s. The physical activity level was evaluated by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short form and Tegner Activity Scale (TAS). The fear of movement was assessed by the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia Questionnaire (TSKQ).ResultsThe postoperative mean follow-up duration was 32.24 ± 9.17 months. MCCT and LCCT were significantly decreased in the ACLR&M group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.019, respectively). MCCT, ICCT and LCCT were significantly decreased in the ACLR&MR group (p = 0.017, p = 0.011, and p = 0.004, respectively). No significant change was found in the ACLR group. Cartilage thickness changes were not significantly correlated with the knee muscle strength, IPAQ, TAS and TSKQ scores in all groups (p > 0.05).ConclusionThe results showed partial meniscectomy and meniscus repair at the time of ACLR as important risk factors for decreased chondral thickness.     

Effects of articular cartilage and meniscus injuries at the time of surgery on osteoarthritic changes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in patients under 40?years old

Introduction  The development of osteoarthritis (OA) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is an unsolved problem. Articular cartilage and meniscus injuries are particularly important factors that contribute to OA progression. Aim  The purpose of this study was to investigate how articular cartilage and meniscus injuries at the time of surgery affected the development of OA under limited conditions retrospectively. Exclusion criteria of this study were (1) age 40 years or over, (2) previous surgery, (3) another combined knee ligament injury, and (4) unstable reconstructed knees. Material  This study included 49 knees in 46 patients (average 26 years; range, 13–39 years) who had undergone isolated ACL reconstruction. Mean follow-up period was 3.9 years (range, 2–8 years). We classified patients into two groups, cartilage-damaged and non-damaged. Patients were also classified into two groups on the basis of treatment for meniscus: meniscectomy group and meniscus intact group. OA changes were investigated using weigh-bearing anteroposterior radiographs taken before surgery and at evaluation. OA changes were evaluated in terms of joint space narrowing, atrophy, sclerosis, cysts, spurs, flattening of the femoral condyle, concavity of the tibial condyle, and sharpening of the eminence. Each parameter was scored, and the total number of points was recorded as the OA score. Results  Differences between the preoperative OA score and that at evaluation were defined as the increase of the OA score. OA progressed in 28 knees (57%). OA score was higher at evaluation than before surgery (P < 0.001). In the cartilage-damaged group, the Lysholm score at evaluation was lower (P < 0.05) and the increase in the OA score was higher than in the non-damaged group (P < 0.05). The increase in the OA score was higher in the meniscectomy group (P < 0.05). Conclusion  We concluded that patients with cartilage damage and who had undergone meniscectomy show more progression of OA. These patients require long-term follow-up. Level of evidence  Level 4, case series, therapeutic studies, investigating the results of treatment. Presented at 6th Biennial Congress of the International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine.     

All-inside meniscal repair surgery: factors affecting the outcome

BackgroundMeniscal injury is currently a well-recognized source of knee dysfunction. While it would be ideal to repair all meniscus tears, the failure rate is significantly high, although it may be reduced by careful selection of the patients. Our objective was to assess the outcome of meniscal repair surgery and the role of simultaneous reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).Results136 Meniscal repairs were performed in 122 patients with a mean age of 26.8 years. Mean follow-up duration was 9 months. 63 % of the patients underwent medial and 37 % underwent lateral meniscal repair, with failure rates of 19 % for medial and 12 % for lateral menisci. Ligament injuries were found in 61 % of the patients (n = 83). Failure of meniscal repair occurred in 14.5 % (n = 12) of the patients who had early ACL reconstruction and in 27 % (n = 22) of the patients who had delayed ACL reconstruction (p = 0.0006). The failure rate was found to be 13 % in patients who were younger than 25 years (61 %) and 15 % in patients who were older than 25 years (39 %).ConclusionThe success rate of meniscal repair was found to be significantly better when ACL reconstruction was performed simultaneously with meniscal repair.

Level of evidence

Level IV.     

Clinical outcome of primary medial collateral ligament-posteromedial corner repair with or without staged anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

IntroductionMedial collateral ligament (MCL) is a prime valgus stabilizer of the knee, and MCL tears are currently managed conservatively. However, posteromedial corner (PMC) injury along with MCL tear is not same as isolated MCL tear and the former is more serious injury and requires operative attention. However, literature is scarce about the management and outcome of PMC-MCL tear alongside anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. The purpose of this study is to report the clinical outcome of primary repair of MCL and PMC with or without staged ACL reconstruction.MethodsA retrospective evaluation was performed on patients with MCL-PMC complex injury with ACL tear who underwent primary repair of MCL-PMC tear followed by rehabilitation. Further, several of them chose to undergo ACL reconstruction whereas rest opted conservative treatment for the ACL tear. A total of 35 patients of two groups [Group 1 (n = 15): MCL-PMC repaired and ACL conserved; Group 2 (n = 20): MCL-PMC repaired and ACL reconstructed] met the inclusion criteria with a minimum follow-up of two years. Clinical outcome measures included grade of valgus medial opening (0° extension and 30° flexion), Lysholm and International knee documentation committee (IKDC) scores, KT-1000 measurement, subjective feeling of instability, range of motion (ROM) assessment and complications.ResultsWhile comparing group 2 versus group 1, mean Lysholm (94.6 vs. 91.06; p = 0.017) and IKDC scores (86.3 vs. 77.6; p = 0.011) of group 2 were significantly higher than group 1. 60% patients of group 1 complained of instability against none in the group 2 (p < 0.0001). All the knees of both the groups were valgus stable with none requiring late reconstruction. The mean loss of flexion ROM in group 1 and 2 was 12° and 9° respectively which was not statistically different (p = 0.41). However while considering the loss of motion, two groups did not show any significant difference in clinical scores.ConclusionsPrimary MCL-PMC repair renders the knee stable in coronal plane in both the groups and further ACL reconstruction adds on to the stability of the knee providing a superior clinical outcome. Minor knee stiffness remains a concern after primary MCL-PMC repair but without any unfavorable clinical effect.     

Concomitant Patellar Tendon Tear (PTT) with Cruciate and/ Collateral ligament injury (Multi- Ligamentous Knee Injury –MLKI) and new pathoanatomical -Ganga PTT classification aids to strategize treatment options

IntroductionConcomitant patellar tendon (PT) tear with cruciate or multi-ligament knee injuries (MLKI) following high-velocity injury requires a systematic approach.MethodsThe study is a retrospective case series of patients (2008–2019) with concomitant PT ligament injury with cruciate or collateral ligament injury (MLKI), including bony avulsion injuries. Isolated cruciate and MLKI without patellar tendon tears are excluded. N = 32 patients (1 female and 31 male) are divided into two groups, Group 1 (11 patients) with PT tear and ACL tear and group 2 (21 patients) with PT tear and MLKIs. Patients were taken up for a single stage in types 1,2,3 and staged repair with reconstruction for types 4,5 of our new classification. All the patients are followed up regularly, and IKDC and Lyshom's score and objective radiological stress x-rays taken at each follow-upResultsIncidence of PTT combined injuries among all knee ligament injuries is 0.57%. The mean age was 35.09+/-11.96 SD(group1) and 36.55+/-11.89 SD(group2). The average follow-up was 34.45 months +/- 12.86SD (group 1) and 35.3 months +/- 15.75 SD (group2). Mean post-operative Lysholm score and IKDC score of group 1 and group 2 improvement was statistically significant p-value <=0.01. The mean post-operative ROM of the two groups were 132.73 (SD 6.46) (Group 1) and 111.75 (15.75) (Group 2) and was a statistically significant p-value <0.01. Residual lag of 30^° seen in all patients improved by 3rd month in group 1 and 6th month in group 2. Knee stiffness is seen in 2 patients and superficial infection in 2 patients.ConclusionPTT combined injuries are rare and occurs due to direct impact injuries. Single-stage PT repair with ACL reconstruction gives adequate stability, and extensor lag is eminent and needs supervised rehabilitation. PT with MLKI is a challenging scenario that can be performed in single-stage/multiple stages, depending on the injuries, surgical expertise, and institutional facilities. Newer simplified classification aids surgeons in planning a treatment strategy.     

Correlation of parameters on preoperative CT images with intra-articular soft-tissue injuries in acute tibial plateau fractures: A review of 132 patients receiving ARIF

IntroductionTibial plateau fractures often occur in conjunction with soft-tissue injuries of knees. The hypothesis of this study is that parameters of CT imaging can predict intra-articular soft-tissue injuries.Patients and methodsPatients who underwent arthroscopically assisted reduction and internal fixation (ARIF) for acute tibial plateau fractures performed by a single orthopedic surgeon between 2005 and 2015 were included in this retrospective study. Patients with concomitant ipsilateral femoral fractures, who had received revision surgery or who had undergone index surgery more than 30 days from the event were excluded. We measured lateral plateau depression and widening, medial plateau depression and displacement, and column involvement observed on preoperative CT scans. Intra-articular soft-tissue injuries were diagnosed based on findings from knee arthroscopy. The correlation of imaging parameters with soft-tissue injuries was analyzed by the area under a receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve and multivariate logistic regression.ResultsOne-hundred and thirty-two patients were enrolled in the study. The average age was 45.7 ± 13.1 years (range: 18–75 years). Lateral tibial plateau depressions >11 mm were significantly associated with increased risk of lateral meniscus tears (p = 0.001). However, there was no significant threshold of lateral tibial plateau widening that could be used to predict lateral meniscus tear. Greater risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) avulsion fracture was observed in younger patients, patients with high-energy-pattern tibial plateau fractures, patients with fractures involving anteromedial or posterolateral columns, and patients with medial tibial plateau displacement >3 mm (p < 0.05).ConclusionMeasuring lateral tibial plateau depression and column involvement on preoperative CT scans can help predict a higher risk of lateral meniscus tear and ACL avulsion fracture respectively in patients with acute tibial plateau fractures.     

Arthroscopic meniscus repair and augmentation with autologous fibrin clot in Indian population: A 2-year prospective study

IntroductionThis study was proposed to evaluate the efficacy of fibrin clot augmentation in meniscal tear using inside-out meniscal repair.MethodsA total of 35 patients with meniscus tears were operated on with inside-out meniscus repair and fibrin clot augmentation. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively with clinical criteria, Lysholm knee scoring system, and MRI.ResultsOut of the total 35 cases, 5 cases were lost to follow-up. Clinical improvement was observed in 29 out of 30 patients (96.6%). The mean Lysholm score improved significantly from 67.63 ± 6.55 points preoperatively to 92.0 ± 2.9 points postoperatively (P < 0.05) in 3 years follow-up. Follow-up MRI in all patients revealed complete healing except in 1 case where the patient presented with recurrence of symptoms such as pain and locking which resolved with partial meniscectomy. Paraesthesia in the anterior part of the knee was observed in 2 cases. (6.6%).ConclusionWe conclude that fibrin clot augmentation is a good cost-effective modality of treatment for repairable meniscus tears to preserve the meniscus and decrease the point contact pressure on the condyles which may prevent the early occurrence of osteoarthritis.     

Editorial Commentary: Combined Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction and Medial Meniscal Transplantation Improve Functional Outcomes When Properly Indicated

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial meniscus both contribute to anteroposterior translation of the tibia. Biomechanical studies have found increased translation at both 30° and 90° when transecting the posterior horn of the medial meniscus, and clinically, medial meniscal deficiency has been shown to have a 46% increase in ACL graft strain at 90°. Medial meniscal deficiency is a risk factor for failure after ACL reconstruction, with a hazard ratio of 15.1. The combination of meniscal allograft transplantation and ACL reconstruction is technically demanding but results in mid- to long-term clinical improvement in well-indicated patients. Patients with medial meniscal deficiency and failed ACL reconstruction or with ACL deficiency and medial-sided knee pain due to meniscal deficiency are candidates for combined procedures. On the basis of our experience, acute meniscal injury is not an indication for primary meniscal transplantation in any setting. Surgeons should repair the meniscus if reparable or perform partial meniscectomy and see how the patient responds. There is insufficient evidence to show that early meniscal transplantation will be chondroprotective. We reserve this procedure for the indications previously described. Severe osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grades III and IV) and Outerbridge grade IV focal chondral defects of the tibiofemoral compartment that are not amenable to cartilage repair are absolute contraindications to the combined procedure.     

Examining Techniques for Treatment of Medial Meniscal Ramp Lesions During Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to systematically review the clinical outcomes and adverse events among different techniques for treatment of medial meniscal ramp lesions performed in conjunction with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.MethodsA systematic review was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. PubMed, Cochrane Reviews, Web of Science, and Medline databases were searched for studies examining clinical outcomes after surgical treatment of ramp lesions. Studies were selected if they met the following criteria: (1) evaluation of the outcome of surgical repair of meniscal ramp lesions, (2) injuries associated with ACL tears, (3) minimum 6-month follow up, (4) publication in a peer-reviewed journal, and (5) English language or translation readily available.ResultsSeven studies met inclusion criteria (485 patients; mean age 27.1 years [range 12 to 59]; mean follow-up 26.9 months [range 8 to 40]). Two all-inside techniques (suture-hook and an all-inside meniscus repair device) in addition to abrasion and trephination alone were analyzed. Each technique demonstrated significant increases in postoperative Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores, reaching the established minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for each patient reported outcome. Incomplete healing was documented in 12.1% to 12.9% of cases in which the tear was not repaired at the time of ACL reconstruction, 2.3% to 11.7% in cases using the suture-hook for repair, and 10.8% to 15% in the all-inside meniscus repair device group.ConclusionThis systematic review demonstrated that several approaches used to treat medial meniscal ramp lesions associated with ACL tears lead to positive clinical outcomes. Small, stable tears <2 cm in size may be managed with debridement alone. For larger, more unstable lesions, an all-inside approach has demonstrated positive clinical outcomes. Prospective trials are needed to determine the best management for meniscal ramp lesions. Additionally, further research is needed to better understand how to minimize the risk of technique-related complications (e.g., improper implant deployment).Level of EvidenceLevel IV, systematic review of level II, III, and IV studies.     

Nonoperative treatment of partial-thickness meniscal tears identified during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

The reported incidence and treatment of partial-thickness meniscal tears seen at anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction varies widely. The success of nonoperative treatment of partial meniscal tears identified during ACL reconstruction at our institution was reviewed. All incomplete meniscal tears were treated with observation, all full-thickness tears were treated with repair or partial meniscectomy. Partial tears of the lateral meniscus were noted three times more commonly than in the medial meniscus and were seen more acutely after ACL injury than full-thickness tears. At 2-year follow-up, excellent knee function was noted when these tears were treated nonoperatively.     

老年膝关节半月板损伤关节镜手术方式选择及疗效评估

目的:探讨关节镜治疗老年半月板损伤的方法和疗效。方法 :自2014年1月至2018年6月,86例符合纳入标准的老年半月板损伤患者,其中男35例,女51例;年龄60～76岁,平均63.7岁;有明确外伤史32例,无明确外伤史54例。关节镜下半月板部分切除75例,部分切除及前角修补2例,部分切除及体部修补2例,后角水平分层破裂部分切除及修补7例;28例合并关节轻度退变,同时行髁间窝钻孔减压。术前及末次随访采用Lysholm评分和IKDC评分评定膝关节功能,视觉模拟评分法(VAS)评估疼痛情况。结果:所有病例成功完成关节镜下手术,随访6～36个月,平均15个月。膝关节Lysholm评分由术前(51.26±12.00)分,提高至末次随访的(81.20±4.89)分(t=22.07,P0.001);IKDC评分由术前(48.05±10.68)分,提高至末次随访的(76.97±6.26)分(t=23.04,P0.001);VAS由术前(3.37±0.84)分,改善至末次随访的(0.57±0.62)分(t=36.27,P0.001)。2例非外伤性退变性内侧半月板损伤伴内侧骨关节炎患者,术后1年症状无明显改善,行人工全膝关节置换术。结论:老年膝关节半月板损伤行关节镜下半月板部分切除,或部分切除及修补术治疗,可获得较满意的临床效果;如果合并关节轻度退变性变,同时行髁间窝钻孔减压。     

Risk of total/subtotal meniscectomy for respective medial and lateral meniscus injury: correlation with tear type,duration of complaint,age, gender and ACL rupture in 6034 Asian patients

Background

To evaluate the risk factor associated with total or subtotal meniscectomy for respective medial and lateral meniscus injury.

Methods

The data of all the meniscus injured patients undergoing arthroscopy in our institute between January 15th, 2000 and December 31st, 2008 was collected and 6034 patients with 7241 injured menisci met the inclusion criteria. The mean patient age was 33.6?±?14.9 years and there were 4785 males and 2456 females with 3568 medial and 3673 lateral menisci. The decision tree approach was applied to investigate the correlation of the tear type, the duration of complaint, age, gender, ACL rupture and total/subtotal meniscectomy for respective medial and lateral meniscus.

Results

The tear type was associated with both medial (χ2?=?70.901, P?<?0.001) and lateral (χ2?=?268.019, P?<?0.001) total/subtotal meniscectomy. The strongest risk of total/subtotal meniscectomy of both medial and lateral meniscus tear was shown for the complex tear followed by the longitudinal, oblique, horizontal and radial tear of the medial meniscus and followed by horizontal, longitudinal, radial and oblique tear of the lateral meniscus. The risk of total/subtotal medial meniscectomy was significantly elevated for the patients with complex tear and the age of ≤40 years old (χ2?=?21.028, P?<?0.001) and those with the oblique, horizontal or radial tear accompanied by ACL rupture (χ2?=?6.631, P?=?0.01). Besides, the duration of complaint was also associated with total/subtotal meniscectomy of the medial longitudinal tear with ACL rupture (χ2?=?17.155, P?<?0.001). On the other side, the risk of total/subtotal lateral meniscectomy was significantly elevated for the complex tear of the female patients (χ2?=?5.877, P?=?0.015) with no ACL rupture (χ2?=?50.501, P?<?0.001). The ACL rupture was associated with a decreased risk of total/subtotal meniscectomy for all the types of the lateral meniscus (complex: χ2?=?50.501, P?<?0.001; horizontal: χ2?=?20.897, P?<?0.001; oblique: χ2?=?27.413, P?<?0.001; longitudinal and radial: χ2?=?110.85, P?<?0.001).

Conclusion

Analyzing data from a big sample available in an Asian patient database, we found different risk factors associated with total/subtotal meniscectomy for respective medial and lateral meniscus. Identifying patients at high risk for total/subtotal meniscectomy may allow for interventions after meniscus injury.

     

Anatomy and pathophysiology of the popliteal tendon area in the lateral meniscus: 2. Clinical investigation.

Treatment of abnormal mobility of the popliteal tendon area of the lateral meniscus is described. Twenty-seven patients who exhibited an abnormally mobile posterior segment with no obvious ruptures in the lateral meniscus were directly examined by us after an average of 4 years and 3 months from the time of the arthroscopic procedure. The main complaints associated with this condition before the surgery were pain and locking during deep knee flexions. The patients were divided into three groups according to surgical method: partial meniscectomy, subtotal meniscectomy, or meniscal repair. The subtotal meniscectomy and repair groups showed significantly higher scores than the partial meniscectomy group. A locking phenomenon recurred in one case of the meniscal repair group. In this case, the menisco-femoral coronary ligament posterior to the popliteal tunnel could not be sutured.