Arthroscopic Repair of Chronic Tears of the Anterior Horn of the Lateral Meniscus That Includes Covering the Lesion With an Infrapatellar Pedicle Fat Flap.

Abstract

This study analyzed the efficacy and safety of arthroscopic outside-in repair of the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus that includes covering the lesion with an infrapatellar pedicle fat flap in patients with chronic tears. This retrospective study reviewed 87 patients with chronic tears of the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus who underwent arthroscopic outside-in repair, which included covering the lesion with an infrapatellar pedicle fat flap (group A, n=45) or not (group B, n=42). The 2 groups were similar in terms of age, sex, body mass index, and disease duration. Patient results were assessed with Tegner, Lysholm, and visual analog scale scores; healing criteria; magnetic resonance imaging; and complication rates. Mean follow-up was 38.2 months. Tegner and Lysholm scores improved postoperatively in both groups (all P<.01) and were similar for the 2 groups (all P>.05). Visual analog scale scores were reduced postoperatively in both groups (P<.01) and similar for the 2 groups (P>.05). Healing rates and complication rates did not differ between the 2 groups (all P>.05), but healing on magnetic resonance imaging was better in group A than group B (P<.05). The repair of chronic tears of the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus can lead to good clinical outcomes and a satisfactory success rate. Covering the repair site with an infrapatellar pedicle fat flap may improve meniscal healing and does not increase the complication rate. [Orthopedics. 2018; 41(3):e360-e364.].