Return to Sport and Outcomes After Concomitant Lateral Meniscal Allograft Transplant and Distal Femoral Varus Osteotomy

Abstract

To evaluate the time and rate of return to sport (RTS), as well as outcomes, in young and active patients receiving concomitant lateral meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) and distal femoral varus osteotomy (DFVO) for lateral meniscal deficiency and valgus malalignment. This was a retrospective study of consecutive patients who underwent concomitant MAT and DFVO by a single surgeon. The exclusion criteria were any concomitant procedures other than cartilage restoration procedures for focal full-thickness cartilage defects of the lateral femoral condyle and less than 2years of follow-up. At final follow-up, patients were asked to complete a subjective sports questionnaire, the Marx Activity Rating Scale, a visual analog scale (VAS), the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, and a satisfaction questionnaire. Changes in patient-reported outcome measures were assessed using nonparametric statistical testing. A total of 21 patients met the inclusion criteria, of whom 17 were included for analysis at an average follow-up of 7.5years (range, 2.2-13.3years). The average age at the time of surgery was 23.3years (range, 16.9-36.2years), and 76.5% of patients were female patients. The average VAS score decreased from 5.7 preoperatively to 2.6 postoperatively (P= .02). Of the 15 patients who participated in sports within 3years prior to their surgical procedure, 14 (82.4%) returned to 1 or more sports at an average of 16.9months (range, 6-36months); however, only 46.7% were able to return to their preinjury level of participation or higher. Furthermore, 88.2% of patients reported being satisfied with their sport-related outcomes. Direct rates of sport-specific return were as follows: weightlifting, 100%; skiing, 100%; running, 66.7%; and basketball, 50%. In our study population, concomitant MAT and DFVO afforded a high rate of RTS at an average of 16.9months postoperatively, as well as a significant decrease in VAS pain scores. These findings are essential to note when counseling patients receiving these procedures who wish to resume sports and physical activities so that they may expect an extensive recovery process before they can RTS. Level IV, case series.