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.     

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.     

The anterolateral supra-fibular-head approach for plating posterolateral tibial plateau fractures: A novel surgical technique

ObjectiveThe posterolateral (PL) tibial plateau quadrant is laterally covered by the fibular head and posteriorly covered by a mass of muscle ligament and important neurovascular structures. There are several limitations in exposing and fixing the PL tibial plateau fractures using a posterior approach. The aim of this study is to present a novel anterolateral supra-fibular-head approach for plating PL tibial plateau fractures.MethodsFive fresh and ten preserved knee specimens were dissected to measure the following parameters:1) the vertical distance from the apex of the fibular head to the lateral plateau surface, 2) the transverse distance between the PL platform and fibula collateral ligament (FCL), and 3) the tension of the FCL in different knee flexion positions. Clinically, isolated PL quadrant tibial plateau fractures were treated via an anterolateral supra-fibular-head approach and lateral rafting plate fixation. The outcome of the patients was assessed after a short to medium follow-up period.ResultsThe distance from the apex of the fibular head to the lateral condylar surface was 12.2 ± 1.6 mm on average. With the knee extended and the FCL tensioned, the transverse distance between the PL platform and the FCL was 6.7 ± 1.1 mm. With the knee flexed to 60° and the FCL was in the most relaxed position, the distance increased to 21.1 ± 3.0 mm. Clinically, a series of 7 cases of PL tibial plateau fractures were treated via this anterolateral supra-fibular-head approach. The patient was placed in a lateral decubitus position with the knee flexed to approximately 60 degrees. After the posterior retraction of the FCL, the plate was placed more posteriorly to provide a raft or horizontal belt fixation of the PL tibial plateau fragment. After an average of 14.3 months of follow up, the knee range of motion(ROM) was 121.4°±8.8° (range: 105°-135°), the HSS score was 96.7 ± 2.6 (range: 90-100), and the SMFA dysfunction score was 22.4 ± 3.8 (range: 16-28) points.ConclusionThe anterolateral supra-fibular-head approach can provide direct visualization of the posterolateral tibial plateau quadrant and put the plate more posteriorly to provide a raft for the fragments such that good clinical outcomes can be anticipated.     

基于术前CT预测Schatzker Ⅱ型胫骨平台骨折合并外侧半月板撕裂的影像学研究

目的:探讨Schatzker Ⅱ型胫骨平台骨折患者基于术前CT测量的胫骨平台关节面塌陷深度（ADD）和胫骨平台增宽的宽度（TPW）对发生外侧半月板撕裂的预测价值。方法:回顾性分析2016年1月至2020年1月期间河北医科大学第三医院收治的131例Schatzker Ⅱ型胫骨平台骨折患者资料。男88例,女51例;年龄为1...     

膝关节内外侧半月板后根部撕裂的MRI诊断价值

目的:探讨MRI对膝关节内外侧半月板后根部撕裂的诊断价值。方法:回顾性分析2012年1月至2016年1月,关节镜下证实为半月板后根部撕裂的患者43例。其中男25例,女18例;年龄27~69(42.5±8.3)岁;右侧27例,左侧16例。由2名医师采用双盲法独立回顾性分析经关节镜证实的43例半月板后根部撕裂患者的MRI表现,计算MRI对半月板后根部撕裂的诊断敏感性、特异性和准确性,并计算膝关节韧带损伤及半月板脱位等伴随情况。结果:143例中,关节镜手术证实43例半月板后根部撕裂,包括内侧撕裂24例,外侧撕裂19例。医师A诊断内侧半月板后根部撕裂的敏感性、特异性、准确性分别为91.67%、86.6%、83.9%,伴内侧半月板突出19例,伴前交叉韧带撕裂2例;外侧半月板后跟部撕裂的敏感性、特异性、准确性分别为73.7%、79.9%、79%,伴外侧半月板突出4例,伴前交叉韧带撕裂16例。医师B诊断内侧半月板后根部撕裂的敏感性、特异性、准确性分别为87.5%、87.4%、87.4%,伴内侧半月板突出19例,伴前交叉韧带撕裂2例;外侧半月板后跟部撕裂的敏感性、特异性、准确性分别为78.9%、82.3%、82.5%,伴外侧半月板突出4例,伴前交叉韧带撕裂16例。2名医师采用MRI诊断内、外侧半月板后根部撕裂的一致性均好,Kappa值分别为0.81和0.67。结论 :膝关节MRI诊断内外侧半月板后跟部撕裂及其伴随征象具有较大价值,为临床医生术前诊断提供依据,值得临床推广应用。     

膝关节骨关节炎内侧半月板突出的临床意义

目的 探讨膝关节骨关节炎患者内侧半月板突出的病因及影响.方法 选取2011年1月至2012年3月诊断为膝关节退行性骨关节炎并经MRI确认有内侧半月板突出的60例患者为半月板突出组,无突出的60例为对照组.在MRI上测量内侧半月板突出距离、胫股角,分析突出组胫股角与突出距离的相关性,比较两组膝内翻、内侧半月板及胫股关节软骨损伤的发生率,分析内侧半月板突出对半月板损伤、膝内翻对半月板突出的影响.结果 突出组:半月板突出距离平均(8.30±1.79) mm;60例有膝内翻,胫股角平均179.0°±2.2°;内侧半月板损伤发生率:前角50.0％ (30/60),体部93.3％ (56/60),后角93.3％ (56/60);内侧半月板后角根部撕裂14例,发生率23.3％(14/60);胫股内侧关节软骨退变发生率:胫骨内侧平台100％(60/60),股骨内髁100％(60/60);胫股角与内侧半月板突出距离呈负相关.对照组:内侧半月板超出胫骨内侧平台边缘的距离平均(0.57±0.80) mm;4例膝内翻;内侧半月板损伤发生率:前角0,体部16.7％(10/60),后角70.0％ (42/60);无内侧半月板后角根部撕裂;胫股内侧关节软骨退变发生率:胫骨内侧平台26.7％(16/60),股骨内髁30.0％ (18/60).半月板突出组与对照组半月板损伤比值比为6.0、膝内翻例数比值比为15.0.半月板突出组内侧半月板各部位及胫股内侧关节软骨损伤的发生率和严重程度高于对照组.结论 膝内翻可能是内侧半月板突出的原因之一,内侧半月板突出显著增加半月板损伤的发生率,其对膝胫股内侧关节骨关节炎的发生、发展有重要影响.     

Both medial and lateral bucket-handle meniscus tears associated with chronic ACL injury: A rare presentation of triple-PCL sign

BackgroundSeveral types of meniscal tear could be presented in both acute and chronic anterior cruciate ligament injury. The incidence of bucket-handle meniscus tears can be up to 30% of the overall meniscus tears cases. The case of both compartment (medial and lateral) bucket-handle meniscus is rarely occurred.CaseA case of both medial and lateral bucket-handle meniscus tears was reported in a male of 21 years old. The patient also had a chronic anterior cruciate ligament injury. The magnetic resonance imaging also showed a rare presentation of the triple-PCL sign with the sagittal view. Arthroscopic surgery with a meniscus repair and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was performed on the patient.ConclusionsSeveral specific imaging signs including triple-PCL sign could be presented in a rare case of both medial and lateral bucket-handle meniscus tears. Recognition of this sign is important to have accurate preoperative diagnosis and proper treatment plan.     

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.     

关节镜下清除并钢丝引导缝合治疗膝关节外侧半月板囊肿

目的:探讨关节镜下清除并钢丝引导缝合治疗膝关节外侧半月板囊肿的临床疗效。方法:2014年7月至2017年12月,采用关节镜下清除并钢丝引导缝合治疗膝关节外侧半月板囊肿33例,其中男13例,女20例,年龄20～55 (36.23±2.30)岁;病程3～14 (4.60±0.83)个月;术前MRI检查均诊断明确。关节镜下按囊肿具体部位分前角14例,体部18例,后角1例。所有囊肿为单发,其中3例为多房。术前及术后6个月采用Lysholm膝关节功能评分、GLASOW评分进行临床疗效。结果:术后33例均获得随访,时间6～24 (7.5±1.2)个月。患者术前症状消失或明显减轻,切口均甲级愈合,无伤口感染、神经血管损伤等并发症。MRI示半月板撕裂部及囊肿缺损区已愈合,囊肿无复发。伤口愈合时间8～12(9.6±1.6)周,恢复日常生活及运动。术后6个月Lysholm评分(91.32±3.36)分,与术前(61.12±4.35)分比较差异有统计学意义(t=46.11,P0.01)。根据GLASOW评分,优31例,良2例。结论:采用关节镜下清除并钢丝引导缝合治疗膝关节外侧半月板囊肿,最大程度地保留了半月板,并同时行半月板损伤修复,术后膝关节功能恢复好,值得临床推广应用。     

膝关节半月板根部附着区的解剖学测量

目的:测量国人膝关节内外侧半月板前后根部附着区的解剖学数据,为临床修复半月板根部损伤提供解剖学基础。方法:选取30个国人成人尸体膝关节标本,其中男16例,女14例;死亡年龄35～68(55.6±7.8)岁。对半月板根部附着区结构进行解剖,测量内外侧半月板根部附着区中心点与胫骨内外侧髁间棘、后交叉韧带前缘、内侧胫骨平台软骨后方外侧缘及外侧胫骨平台软骨后方内侧缘等标志点的位置关系和各个附着区的面积。结果:内侧半月板后根部附着区:中心点位于胫骨内侧髁间棘后方(11.73±3.10) mm、外侧(2.77±0.86) mm,后交叉韧带前缘前(2.76±0.76) mm,内侧平台软骨外侧缘外(3.92±0.22) mm,附着区面积(31.29±5.18) mm~2。内侧半月板前根部附着区:中心点位于胫骨内侧髁间棘前方(25.40±5.27) mm、外侧(3.01±0.86) mm,附着区面积(46.18±11.60) mm~2。外侧半月板后根部附着区:中心点位于胫骨外侧髁间棘后方(4.51±1.35)mm、内侧(1.85±0.34) mm,后交叉韧带前缘前(6.91±1.11) mm,外侧平台软骨内侧缘内(3.16±0.96) mm,附着区面积(44.10±6.23) mm~2。外侧半月板前根部附着区:中心点位于胫骨外侧髁间棘前方(12.97±2.92) mm、外侧(1.31±0.22) mm,附着区面积(60.84±14.98) mm~2。结论 :该试验定量描述内外侧半月板前后根部附着区的面积以及其中心点与相应标志点的位置关系,为临床修复半月板根部损伤提供一定的解剖学参考。     

Flexion-valgus unicondylar tibial plateau depression fracture pattern: Classification and treatment

PurposeThe authors have identified a subset of unicondylar tibial plateau depression fracture patterns caused by a flexion-valgus force. The purpose of this study was to describe this fracture pattern and suggest a modified lateral approach that may allow for improved reduction and stabilization.MethodsThe preoperative radiographs and CT scans of 102 patients who sustained unicondylar tibial plateau fractures (OTA 41B) were reviewed. Twenty-six fracture patients had posterolateral (PL) tibial plateau depression fractures. By medical record review and telephone follow-up, the injury mechanism of the 22 unicondylar tibial plateau fractures was confirmed as a flexion-valgus force. The radiographic features of those cases were analyzed and measured. To address this specific fracture pattern, a modified approach combined with a novel intra-articular osteotomy was applied.ResultsAccording to the morphological characteristics, this tibial plateau fracture pattern could be divided into two subtypes: type A was a confined, basin-like articular surface depression fracture located in the PL quadrant, and type B was a cancellous fracture involving the PL tibial plateau resulting in a decrease in the posterior slope. One radiographic hallmark of this fracture pattern is an anatomically or a mechanically intact posterior column wall. The novel approach was applied to both types. The postoperative radiographic measurements revealed excellent reduction quality. On axial scans, the distance between the most posterior rafting screw and the tangent line of the tibial plateau rim was 3.0 ± 2.07 mm (from −1.9 to 4.3), and the angulation between them was 8.9 ± 3.02° (from −7.3 to 15.6). These results indicated excellent PL quadrant coverage from the rafting screws.ConclusionFlexion-valgus force-induced unicondylar tibial plateau depression fracture is a unique injury pattern. We suggest a novel surgical approach to address this injury’s key features, which may facilitate exposure and enhance fixation strength.     

Arthroscopic Meniscal Repair Using Biodegradable Screws

Objective Repair of meniscal tears to restore meniscal shape and function as well as to preserve meniscal chondroprotective and knee-stabilizing properties. Indications Peripheral incomplete or complete longitudinal tears of the medial or lateral meniscus. “Bucket-handle tears”. Contraindications Unstable joint not treated successfully. Complex meniscal tears or radial tears. Degenerative meniscal tissue. Meniscal lesions in the avascular central zone. Osteoarthritis. Infections. Local cutaneous affections. Surgical Technique Knee arthroscopy and inspection of the meniscal lesion. Freshening of the meniscal edges using a rasp or shaver. Intraarticular placement of the meniscal screws using a cannulated device. Perforation of the meniscus and refixation of the tear. Results 60 patients of a total of 65 were followed up by clinical examination after an average of 18 (8–34) months. Two patients had already undergone a partial meniscectomy at the time of follow-up, three had a recurrence of typical clinical signs of a meniscal tear. The other 55 patients rated the overall clinical results as “excellent” (n = 21), “good” (n = 31), or “satisfactory” (n = 3). The average Lysholm score at the time of examination was 93 (49–100) points.     

Second-look arthroscopy after meniscus repair and synovial mesenchymal stem cell transplantation to treat degenerative flaps and radial tears of the medial meniscus: A case report

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to compare arthroscopic findings of a degenerative flap and radial tear of the medial meniscus (MM) before and one year after treatment by meniscus repair and synovial mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation.MethodsPatients with a degenerative flap and radial MM tear that would generally be treated by meniscectomy were included. The patients ranged in age from 45 to 62 years and all underwent meniscus repair and synovium harvest at time 0. The digested synovium was cultured with autologous serum for 12 days, and an average of 4 × 10⁷ MSCs were transplanted at two weeks. A second-look arthroscopy was performed at 52 weeks (n = 6). The average duration of symptoms was 24 months. For flap tears, arthroscopic findings were quantified in terms of the presence, stability, and smoothness of the meniscus at each zone and area. The Lysholm score was evaluated throughout the 52 week follow-up.ResultsFour patients with MM flap tears showed deficiencies in the central area at the posterior junctional zone before treatment, but this zone was completely restored to a stable and smooth condition in two patients and partially restored in the other two patients. The arthroscopy score for a flap tear at the central area of the posterior junctional zone was 0.3 ± 0.5 before treatment and 4.3 ± 2.1 after treatment. The score was significantly higher after treatment (p < 0.05, n = 4). The original radial MM tears in two patients were healed one year after treatment. Lysholm scores were significantly higher at 4 and 52 weeks after treatment than before treatment (n = 6).ConclusionsArthroscopic findings for a degenerative flap and radial tear of the MM were improved at the central area of the posterior junctional zone one year after meniscus repair and MSC transplantation.     

Isolated peripheral longitudinal tears in the anterior–middle segment of medial meniscus among young soccer players: A case series

IntroductionThere was little information about the isolated medial meniscal tears in the anterior–middle segment. This study aimed to report the infrequent cases of the isolated medial meniscal tears in the anterior–middle segment related to kicking motion among young soccer players with a short-term postoperative outcome.Presentation of caseIn the retrospective review of the surgical records from 2000 to 2018, there were 15 cases with the corresponding tear. They were all young male soccer players with a mean age of 16.7 years (range: 10–23 years). The cause of injury was kicking motion during playing soccer in all the patients. The most frequent symptom was locking in 80% of the cases. In the arthroscopic evaluation, all the cases presented with a longitudinal (bucket-handle) tear in the anterior–middle segment in the peripheral zone with a length of 25 to 30 mm, while the posterior segment and the cruciate ligaments were intact. Meniscal repair was performed for all the cases. At one year, all the patients could return to play soccer with a pre-injury level without any symptoms. In the second-look arthroscopy at six months among four cases, all meniscal tears healed completely.Discussion and conclusionClinicians should be aware of the possibility of isolated peripheral longitudinal tear in the anterior–middle segment of the medial meniscus, which is related to the kicking motion among young soccer players and mainly causes locking.     

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.     

关节镜下经骨隧道缝合治疗膝关节外侧半月板后根部撕裂

目的:探讨关节镜下经骨隧道缝合治疗膝关节外侧半月板后根部撕裂的临床疗效。方法:自2012年1月至2014年12月,采用关节镜下经骨隧道缝合治疗23例膝关节外侧半月板后根部撕裂患者,其中男15例,女8例;年龄19～48(25.0±4.7)岁;左膝10例,右膝13例。记录患者并发症情况,术前及术后12个月采用Lysholm评分进行临床疗效评价,并采用VAS进行疼痛评价。术后12个月通过MRI检查外侧半月板损伤愈合情况。结果:23例患者获得随访,时间13～24(17.0±4.3)个月。术后无血管神经损伤及切口感染等并发症发生。术后12个月时19例患者膝关节活动度达到正常,4例患者存在膝关节活动受限。术后12个月Lysholm评分88.52±6.48,较术前46.12±7.35明显提高(P0.05)。术后12个月VAS评分0.8±0.7,较术前4.3±1.6明显降低(P0.05)。结论:采用关节镜下经骨隧道缝合治疗膝关节外侧半月板后根部撕裂,可有效缓解疼痛,降低术后并发症,临床疗效显著。     

An adult case of spontaneous healing of concurrent osteochondritis dissecans of the lateral femoral condyle after saucerization with meniscal repair for discoid lateral meniscus: A case report

BackgroundThe treatment strategy for osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) with discoid lateral meniscus (DLM) in adults remains unclear.Case presentationA 22-year-old man presented with left knee pain after spraining his knee. Physical examination revealed lateral joint line tenderness and a positive McMurray test. Radiographic imaging showed OCD of the lateral femoral condyle classified as stage 3 on Brückl's classification. Magnetic resonance imaging showed complete DLM with anterocentral shift based on Ahn's classification and an OCD of 11 mm × 8 mm, grade 2 based on Nelson's classification. On computed tomography (CT), a demarcated fragment was observed in the lesion. Based on these findings, saucerization with meniscal repair was performed for unstable DLM. The OCD lesion presented with softening without any fissure and was diagnosed as grade 1. No surgical procedure was added. One year after surgery, the union of the fragment was confirmed on radiograph and CT. At the final follow-up five years after surgery, the Lysholm score had improved from 58 to 100 points.ConclusionsWe experienced an adult case of stable OCD with concurrent DLM that achieved spontaneous healing after undergoing reshaping surgery for DLM, mimicking normal meniscal morphology, without additional treatment for the stable OCD lesion.     

Increased Articular Exposure of the Lateral Tibial Plateau with a Midline Lateral Parapatellar Arthrotomy Compared to an Anterolateral Submeniscal Arthrotomy: a Cadaveric Study

PurposeTo quantitatively compare the articular exposure of the proximal tibia with a lateral parapatellar arthrotomy through a straight midline incision (ML) versus a lateral submeniscal arthrotomy through a curvilinear anterolateral incision (AL).MethodsEight surgical approaches (4 ML and 4 AL) were performed on 4 fresh cadavers. Access to key articular landmarks was assessed, including divisions of the lateral meniscus, lateral tibial spine, and anterior cruciate ligament. The boundary of the exposed articular surface of the tibia was marked, and the proximal tibias were then stripped of soft tissues. A calibrated digital image was taken of each proximal tibia, and exposed articular surface area was calculated with ImageJ software (NIH, Bethesda, MD). Statistical analysis was performed using a two-sample t-test.ResultsAverage articular surface area exposed was 2.2 times greater through the midline approach compared with the anterolateral approach (11.2 vs 5.1 cm², p = 0.010). All key anatomic landmarks were directly visualized through the midline approach in each specimen. Complete visualization of the lateral meniscus posterior horn, lateral tibial spine, and anterior cruciate ligament was not accomplished through the anterolateral approach in any specimen.ConclusionsThe midline approach provides more extensive articular exposure of the lateral tibial plateau compared with the anterolateral approach. This improved exposure may offer an advantage when treating fractures not amenable to arthroscopic or minimally invasive techniques. It may be of most use when treating fractures with extension into the posteromedial quadrant of the lateral plateau, fractures with extensive comminution of the lateral plateau, or fractures with complex lateral meniscus tears and fractures with tibial spine involvement.     

Medial meniscal extrusion and spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee

PurposeCauses of spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee (SONK) have not been clearly elucidated. This study investigated the relationship between medial meniscal extrusion and SONK.MethodsWe reviewed 108 SONK knees and determined their Aglietti stage. Meniscal extrusion is defined when it extends beyond the medial margin of tibial plateau and osteophytes are excluded for determining the margin. Both absolute extrusion (AE) and relative percentage of extrusion (RPE) were measured, and meniscal tear patterns were evaluated in the early stages of SONK (I and II).ResultsAll knees had meniscal extrusion. Stage I was detected in 39 knees; II, in 23; III, in 16; IV, in 18; and V, in 12. The mean AE and RPE were 4.2 mm and 42% in stage I, 5.0 mm and 52% in stage II, 6.8 mm and 71% in stage III, 7.0 mm and 69% in stage IV, and 7.8 mm and 80% in stage V, respectively. The knees in the early stages showed less AE and RPE than those in late stages IV (p < 0.05) and V (p < 0.01). Additionally, the level of AE (ρ = 0.63, p < 0.0001) and RPE (ρ = 0.58, p < 0.0001) correlated with the SONK stage. Of knees with early-stage SONK, 12 knees had no tear, 26 had horizontal tears, 1 had longitudinal tear, 6 had degenerative tears, 2 had radial tears, 1 had complex tear, and 14 had root tears. Neither AE nor RPE differed significantly among tear patterns.ConclusionsMeniscal extrusion was recognized even in early stages, with a significant correlation between the SONK stage and extrusion. Although the most frequent tear pattern in early-stage SONK was horizontal tear, 12 knees had meniscal extrusion with no tears. Therefore, meniscal extrusion, which indicates meniscal dysfunction, may be a cause of SONK and be related with the developmental stage of SONK.     

Novel multilayer meniscal scaffold provides biomechanical and histological results comparable to polyurethane scaffolds: An 8 week rabbit study

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the meniscal regeneration and arthritic changes after partial meniscectomy and application of either polyurethane scaffold or novel multilayer meniscal scaffold in a rabbit model.MethodsSixteen NewZealand rabbits were randomly divided into three groups. A reproducible 1.5-mm cylindrical defect was created in the avascular zone of the anterior horn of the medial meniscus bilaterally. Defects were filled with the polyurethane scaffold in Group 1 (n:6) and with novel multilayer scaffold in Group 2 (n:6). Rabbits in Group 3 (n:4) did not receive any treatment and defects were left empty. All animals were sacrificed after 8 weeks and bilateral knee joints were taken for macroscopic, biomechanical, and histological analysis. After excision of menisci, inked condylar surfaces and tibial plateaus were evaluated for arthritic changes. Digital photographs of excised menisci were also obtained and surface areas were measured by a computer software. Indentation testing of the tibial condyles and compression tests for the relevant meniscal areas was also performed in all groups. Histological analysis was made and all specimens were scored according to Rodeo scoring system.ResultsNo signs of inflammation or infection were observed in any animals. A significant difference was observed between meniscus surface areas of the multilayer scaffold group (20.13 ± 1.91 mm²) and the group with empty meniscus defects (15.62 ± 2.04 mm²) (p = 0.047). The results of biomechanical compression tests revealed a significant difference between the Hayes scores of the second group (1.728) and the empty defect group (0,467) (p = 0.029). Intact meniscal tissue showed higher mechanical properties than all the defected samples. Multilayer scaffold group demonstrated the closest results compared to healthy meniscus tissue. Tibia indentation tests and histological evaluation showed no significant differences between groups (p = 0.401 and p = 0.186 respectively).ConclusionsIn this study, the initial evaluation of novel multilayer meniscal scaffold prevented the shrinkage that may occur in the meniscus area and demonstrated superior biomechanical results compared to empty defects. No adverse events related to scaffold material was observed. Besides, promising biomechanical and histological results, comparable to polyurethane scaffold, were obtained.