Medial Meniscal Root Repair Research Articles

Meniscal Root Injuries.

Meniscal root tears are an increasingly recognized injury leading to notable functional limitations, potential rapid cartilage deterioration of the affected compartment, and subsequent risk of total knee arthroplasty if left untreated. Repair of these tears is advised when articular cartilage remains intact because both medial and lateral meniscus root repairs have demonstrated favorable results. Recent literature demonstrates decreased rates of osteoarthritis and arthroplasty after medial meniscus root repair compared with partial meniscectomy and nonsurgical management. The transtibial pull-out repair technique is most commonly used and provides a biomechanically strong suture construct with standard and familiar knee arthroscopy portals. Furthermore, repair has recently been shown to be economically effective by decreasing overall societal healthcare costs when compared with more conservative management strategies. This review outlines the evaluation, treatment, and documented outcomes of meniscal root repair, which is imperative to the preservation of knee function and maintaining quality of life.

Medial Meniscus Root Repair in Patients With Open Physes

Meniscal root tears have become increasingly recognized in the past decade. Lateral meniscus root tears typically occur in active, younger patients who sustain acute anterior cruciate ligament tears. Conversely, medial meniscus root tears typically occur in isolation and affect middle-aged patients. However, recent reports have described the incidence of meniscal root tears occurring in pediatric populations who are skeletally immature. The purpose of this technical note is to describe the authors' surgical technique for medial meniscal root repair for patients with open physes.

Outcomes after Surgical Repair of Medial Meniscal Root Tears: A Review.

At the present time, there is a paucity of literature regarding medial meniscal posterior root repair and outcomes. This review seeks to examine the currently available data to further elucidate the clinical risks and benefits and any associated risks of medial meniscal posterior root repair. A systematic literature search was performed up to July 2018 in the databases of Medline via PubMed, EBSCOhost, and EMBASE. The results were reviewed independently by two authors and appropriate articles were reviewed and eligibility determined based on established criteria. The best-evidence synthesis was subsequently used. Thirteen studies (324 patients) were included in this review with a mean patient age of 54 years. There were no control studies with nonoperative treatment of medial meniscal posterior root tears. All studies included a minimum of 10 patients in a case series or case-control manner. Of patients treated with medial meniscal posterior root repair, 62.43% demonstrated complete healing on follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or second-look arthroscopy. Among them, 32.60% demonstrated incomplete healing, loosening of the construct, or excessive scar tissues formation. Also, 4.97% demonstrated complete failure or retearing of the construction. At a mean follow-up period of 33 months, patients demonstrated a mean improvement in Lysholm's score of 30.5 (p < 0.00001), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score of 31.9 (p < 0.00001), and HSS Knee Score of 38.3 (p < .00001). Surgical repair of medial meniscus posterior root tears appears to result in highly satisfying subjective outcomes. Patients included in this review meet criteria for both statistically and clinically significant improvement, based on published guidelines for minimal clinically important difference. Despite this, however, postoperative MRI and second-look arthroscopy demonstrate a relatively high rate of incomplete healing (32.60%) or retearing and failure of the construct (4.97%). More highly powered studies are required to confirm these findings.

Outcomes of Medial Meniscal Posterior Root Repair During Proximal Tibial Osteotomy: Is Root Repair Beneficial?

To compare the clinical and radiologic outcomes and arthroscopic findings of proximal tibial osteotomy (PTO) alone versus PTO combined with medial meniscal posterior root repair (MMPRR). Between October 2010 and September 2016, patients who underwent PTO and second-look arthroscopy at a minimum of 24 months postoperatively were reviewed. Patients were divided into group I (isolated PTO), group P (PTO with MMPRR using the pull-out technique), and group F (PTO and MMPRR using the side-to-side repair method). The subjective knee scores were assessed. Radiologic evaluation was based on the Kellgren-Lawrence grade. Healing of medial meniscal posterior root tears (good/loose/scar tissue/failed) and cartilage regeneration (excellent/good/poor) were assessed by arthroscopic examination. Mean clinical follow-up duration of group I (n= 22), P (n= 25), and F (n= 24) was 28.5 ± 5.7, 27.9 ± 6.2, and 26.3 ± 5.3 months, respectively. At final follow-up, Lysholm score, International Knee Documentation Committee subjective score, and Tegner activity scale significantly improved in all groups (P < .001), and subjective scores did not differ among the groups. The Kellgren-Lawrence grade progression showed no significant differences among 3 groups (P= .461). Good healing of medial meniscal posterior root tears was found in 24% and 12.5% of patients in groups P and F, respectively, and 0 in group I; there were significant differences between groups I and P (P < .001) and groups I and F (P < .001). Excellent cartilage regeneration in the medial femoral condyle and medial tibial plateau was found in 13.6% and 9.1% in group I, 24% and 12% in group P, and 16.7% and 8.3% in group F, respectively, without significant differences. Concurrent MMPRR during PTO appears to improve the arthroscopic appearance (healing of MMRPTs and cartilage regeneration) during second-look arthroscopy. However, concurrent MMPRR does not significantly improve clinical and radiologic outcomes at short-term follow-up. Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Biomechanical Evaluation of an All-Inside Posterior Medial Meniscal Root Repair Technique Via Suture Fixation to the Posterior Cruciate Ligament

To evaluate the tibiofemoral contact mechanics of an all-inside posterior medial meniscal root repair technique via suture fixation to the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and to compare with that of the intact knee and the knee with a root tear. Tibiofemoral contact mechanics were recorded in 8 human cadaveric knee specimens using pressure sensors. Each knee underwent 3 testing conditions related to the posterior medial meniscal root: (1) intact knee; (2) root tear; and (3) all-inside repair via suture fixation to the PCL. Knees were loaded with a 1000-N axial compressive force at 4 knee flexion angles (0°, 30°, 60°, 90°). Calculations were performed for contact area, mean contact pressure, and peak contact pressure. A generalized linear model with a Tukey adjusted least square means test was used to determine differences between testing conditions. Across all knee flexion angles, there was an overall mean 26.3% reduction in contact area with root tear (211.34 mm2 vs intact 286.64 mm2, P= .0002), and a 31.6% increase from root tear to repair (277.61 mm2, P= .0297). Across all knee flexion angles, there was an overall mean 24.3% increase in contact pressure with root tear (1849.12 N/mm2 vs. intact 1487.52 N/mm2, P < .0001), and a 31.1% decrease from root tear to repair (1410.7 N/mm2, P= .0037). Across all knee flexion angles, there was an overall mean 10.6% increase in peak contact pressure with root tear (4083.55 N/mm2 vs. intact 3693.68 N/mm2, P < .0001), and a 12.4% decrease from root tear to repair (3632.13 N/mm2, P= .531). In most testing conditions and with overall averaging across knee flexion angles, the all-inside posterior medial meniscal root repair with suture fixation to the adjacent PCL fibers restored contact area (from 26.3% reduction with root tear to 31.6% increase with repair), contact pressures (from 24.3% increase with root tear to 31.1% decrease with repair), and peak contact pressures (from 10.6% increase with root tear to 12.4% decrease with repair) to that of the intact knee This may be a future potential technique to limit complications associated with the traditional transtibial pull-out method of repair. This technique may provide a posterior medial meniscal root repair construct that restores most tibiofemoral contact mechanics and offers theoretical benefits of technical ease and potential for an acceptable, less "anatomic" repair location.

Differences between the root and horn cells of the human medial meniscus from the osteoarthritic knee in cellular characteristics and responses to mechanical stress

BackgroundMany histological, mechanical, and clinical studies have been performed on the medial meniscus posterior root attachment, as it often tears in patients with osteoarthritic knee. Medial meniscal root repair is recommended in clinical situations; however, to date, no studies have examined the differences between meniscal root and horn cells. The aim of this study was, therefore, to investigate the morphology, reaction to cyclic tensile strain, and gene expression levels of medial meniscal root and horn cells. MethodsMeniscal samples were obtained from the medial knee compartments of 10 patients with osteoarthritis who underwent total knee arthroplasty. Root and horn cells were cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium without enzymes. The morphology, distribution, and proliferation of medial meniscal root and horn cells, as well as the gene and protein expression levels of Sry-type HMG box 9 and type II collagen, were determined after cyclic tensile strain treatment. ResultsHorn cells had a triangular morphology, whereas root cells were fibroblast-like. The number of horn cells positive for Sry-type HMG box 9 and type II collagen was considerably higher than that of root cells. Although root and horn cells showed similar levels of proliferation after 48, 72, or 96 h of culture, more horn cells than root cells were lost following a 2-h treatment with 5% and 10% cyclic tensile. Sry-type HMG box 9 and α1(II) collagen mRNA expression levels were significantly enhanced in both cells after 2- and 4-h cyclic tensile strain (5%) treatment. ConclusionsMedial meniscal root and horn cells have distinct morphologies, reactions to mechanical stress, and cellular phenotypes. Our results suggest that physiological tensile strain is important to activate extracellular matrix production in horn cells.

Posterior Medial Meniscus Root Tears Potentiate the Effect of Increased Tibial Slope on Anterior Cruciate Ligament Graft Forces

Background: Increased posterior tibial slope and posterior medial meniscus root tears increase the force experienced by the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and predispose patients to higher rates of primary ACL injury or ACL graft failure after an ACL reconstruction (ACLR). However, the interplay among sagittal plane tibial slope, medial meniscus root tears, and ACLR graft force remains inadequately defined. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose was to quantify the effect of sagittal plane tibial slope on ACLR graft force at varying knee flexion angles with an intact medial meniscus, a posterior medial meniscus root tear, and a medial meniscus root repair. Our null hypothesis was that changes in slope and meniscal state would have no effect on the forces experienced by the ACLR graft. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Ten male fresh-frozen cadaveric human knees underwent a posteriorly based high tibial osteotomy. A spanning external fixator and wedges of varying sizes were used to stabilize the osteotomy and allow for accurate slope adjustment. After ACLR, specimens were compressed with a 1000-N axial load at flexion angles of 0° and 30° for each of the 3 meniscal states and at tibial slopes of 0° to 15° at 3° increments. Graft loads were recorded through a force transducer clamped to the graft. Results: Increasing tibial slope led to a linear increase in ACLR graft force at 0° and 30° of knee flexion. Posterior medial meniscus root tear led to significant increases in ACLR graft forces over the intact state, while root repair restored the function of the medial meniscus as a secondary stabilizer. At 30° of knee flexion, the tibial slope effect on ACLR graft force was potentiated in the root tear state as compared with the intact and root repair states—test of interaction effect: t(139) = 2.67 (P = .009). Conclusion: Increases in tibial slope lead to a linear increase in ACLR graft forces, and this effect is magnified in the setting of a posterior medial meniscus root tear. At slopes >12°, a slope-changing osteotomy could be considered in the setting of a revision ACLR with a concomitant medial meniscus root tear. Clinical Relevance: Defining the relationship between tibial slope and varying states of meniscal insufficiency can help determine when it may be necessary to perform a slope-decreasing proximal tibial osteotomy before ACLR and meniscal repair.

Clinical and Radiologic Outcomes of Patients With Lax Healing After Medial Meniscal Root Repair: Comparison With Subtotal Meniscectomy

To compare radiologic and clinical outcomes between patients who underwent medial meniscus posterior root tear (MMPRT) repair and were subsequently classified as having lax healing based on second-look arthroscopy and patients who underwent subtotal meniscectomy for an MMPRT. The patients who received pullout repair or subtotal meniscectomy due to MMPRT between January 2011 and December 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Among the patients who underwent MMPRT repair, those whose lax healing of the repair site was confirmed by second-look arthroscopy (repair/lax healing group) and among the patients who received subtotal meniscectomy, those who have varus deformity of <5° and a Kellgren-Lawrence grade of ≤2 (meniscectomy group) were included in the study population. Medial joint space width, Kellgren-Lawrence grade, International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Evaluation Form score, and Lysholm Knee score were used for radiologic and clinical assessment. The meniscectomy group included 24 patients (average follow-up, 37.2months), and the repair/lax healing group included 21 patients (average follow-up, 39.2months). The 2 groups showed improved patient-reported outcomes postoperatively (P < .001). However, medial joint space width (P < .001) became narrow and Kellgren-Lawrence grade (P= .002 and P= .005, respectively) worsened. Comparison of the radiologic outcomes between the 2 groups revealed that the repair/lax healing group had less Kellgren-Lawrence grade progression than the meniscectomy group (P= .014). The grade progressed by ≥2 grades in 4 patients (16.7%) and 0 patients in the meniscectomy and repair/lax healing groups, respectively (P < .001). Although the repair/lax healing group showed improved functional outcomes on short-term follow-up, arthritic change progressed radiologically. Nevertheless, the repair/lax healing group showed better radiologic outcomes than the meniscectomy group, despite lax healing of the repair site. However, because of the small number of cases in this study, the results of this study could be associated with potential for type II or β errors. Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Type II Medial Meniscus Root Repair With Peripheral Release for Addressing Meniscal Extrusion

Medial meniscal root tears are often disabling injuries that can occur in isolation during low-velocity, deep knee flexion maneuvers in middle-aged patients. The most common meniscal root tear pattern is a radial tear near the root attachment (type II). Root tears are often associated with meniscal extrusion, identified on magnetic resonance imaging. Relocation of the meniscal root to its anatomic center is a reported current difficulty faced by surgeons during surgical repair. However, this can be achieved via sufficient peripheral release of the posteromedial capsular attachment of the medial meniscus. The purpose of this Technical Note is to describe the authors' current surgical technique for medial meniscus root repair with a peripheral release for addressing meniscal extrusion. Classifications: level I (knee); level II (meniscus).

Utilization of Transtibial Centralization Suture Best Minimizes Extrusion and Restores Tibiofemoral Contact Mechanics for Anatomic Medial Meniscal Root Repairs in a Cadaveric Model

Background: Although posterior medial meniscal root (PMMR) repairs are often successful, postoperative meniscal extrusion after a root repair has been identified as a potential clinical problem. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose was to quantitatively evaluate the tibiofemoral contact mechanics and extent of meniscal extrusion after a PMMR repair. It was hypothesized that the addition of a centralization suture (into the posterior medial tibial plateau) would help restore normal joint load-bearing characteristics and restore the native amount of meniscal extrusion after a root tear. Furthermore, we hypothesized that the amount of meniscal extrusion would be greatest in loaded and flexed knees when measured at the posterior border of the medial collateral ligament (MCL). Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Meniscal extrusion and tibiofemoral contact mechanics were measured using 3-dimensional digitization and pressure sensors in 10 nonpaired, human cadaveric knees. The PMMR of each knee was tested under 6 states: (1) intact; (2) type 2A PMMR tear; (3) anatomic transtibial pull-out root repair; (4) anatomic transtibial pull-out repair with centralization; (5) nonanatomic transtibial pull-out repair; and (6) nonanatomic transtibial pull-out repair with centralization, with randomization of the order of conditions 3 and 4, and 5 and 6. The testing protocol loaded knees with a 1000-N axial compressive force at 4 flexion angles (0°, 30°, 60°, 90°) in each state. Meniscal extrusion was measured with a 3-dimensional coordinate digitizer at 0° and 90° in both the loaded and unloaded states and calculated from the difference from the articular margin of the tibia to the periphery of the meniscus. Peak contact pressure, contact area, and total contact pressure were also recorded for all states at all flexion angles. Statistical analysis investigated the independent effects of flexion, state, and loading using 3 distinct 2-factor models. Results: Differences in the contact mechanics between repair techniques were most notable at higher flexion angles, demonstrating significantly higher average and peak contact pressures for nonanatomic repair states when compared with anatomic repairs with and without centralization (all P < .05). In unloaded knees at full extension, the magnitude of medial meniscal extrusion was significantly higher at the posterior border of the MCL compared with the posterior medial tibia (P < .001) and adjacent to the root attachment on the tibia locations (P < .001). Both anatomic repair states had no significant difference in the degree of extrusion when compared with the intact state. Conclusion: The anatomic transtibial pull-out root repair and the anatomic transtibial pull-out root repair with centralization techniques best restored contact mechanics of the knee and meniscal extrusion when compared with root tear and nonanatomic repair states at time zero. There were no significant differences in contact pressure or magnitude of extrusion between the anatomic repair state and the anatomic repair with centralization state. We found that extrusion is best measured in the coronal plane at the posterior border of the MCL for unloaded knees. However, the degree of extrusion increased as the knee was loaded and flexed to 90°. Clinical Relevance: When there are concerns about meniscal extrusion with a medial meniscal root repair, the addition of a centralization suture may be beneficial for patients in reducing pathologic meniscal extrusion and restoring joint contact mechanics.

Description of a surgical technique of medial meniscus root repair: a fixation technique with two simple stiches under an expected initial tension

The medial meniscus (MM) posterior root has an important role in the maintenance of knee kinematics and articular cartilage. Although transtibial pullout repair of the MM posterior root tear (MMPRT) has become the gold standard, it is associated with several suturing difficulties. The present technical note describes a simple fixation technique using two simple stiches under an expected initial tension. After the degree of knee flexion (20°) and an expected tension (30N) are checked, tibial fixation is performed using a bioabsorbable interference screw with a spring tensioner. After that, a suture knot is made just below the screw in case the sutures are pulled toward the joint direction. Furthermore, a cancellous screw is inserted at a position 1-cm distal from the tibial tunnel for augmentation and is tightened. MMPRT usually occurs in middle-aged females who often have decreased bone quality. However, there is no risk of tibial fracture with our new technique because the bone does not need to be hit. Adopting the advances of fixation with a spring tensioner and Biosure RG instead of Double Spike Plate, we can determine an expected tension easily and safely. The present fixation technique allows reproducibility for many operators to determine an initial tension and might be a good candidate for arthroscopic repair of the MMPRT. Further follow-up studies including second-look arthroscopy and scoring will be necessary to show the clinical benefits of this technique.

Pullout Repair of the Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Tear Reduces Proton Density-Weighted Imaging Signal Intensity of the Medial Meniscus.

Medial meniscus (MM) posterior root tear (PRT) results in joint overloading and degenerative changes in the knee. MM root repair is recommended to prevent subsequent cartilage degeneration following MMPRT. Favorable clinical outcomes have been reported after transtibial pullout repair of MMPRT. However, it is unclear whether pullout repair can cause compositional change in the MM posterior segment. We examined this question in 14 patients who underwent MMPRT pullout repair. Magnetic resonance imaging examinations were performed preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively at 10° knee flexion. The region-of-interest was marked along the MM posterior segment edge. Intra-meniscal signal intensity (IMSI) was expressed as the signal intensity ratio of the repaired MM to the intact lateral meniscus, which was used as a control. MMPRT pullout repair reduced IMSI from 1 to 0.915±0.096 (range, 0.760-1.074) 3 months postoperatively (p=0.006, power=0.90). Meniscal degeneration causes high proton density-weighted imaging signal intensity of the meniscal body. In our study, MMPRT pullout repair reduced IMSI contrary to other tears. This technique may decrease the MM posterior segment signal intensity by restoring the hoop tension mechanism. Measuring IMSI may be useful to assess the effect of MMPRT pullout repair on meniscal healing.

Medial Meniscus Root Repair: A Transtibial Pull-Out Surgical Technique

Meniscus root tears represent an increasingly recognized epidemic that, if left untreated, lead to significant morbidity, including functional limitations and potential conversion to total knee arthroplasty. The mid- and long-term results of medial meniscus root repair are favorable in well-selected patients, with demonstrated decreased rates of osteoarthritis and arthroplasty when compared to partial meniscectomy and nonoperative management. Repair is advised whenever possible, since patients treated with meniscectomy or nonoperative management fare poorly in subjective outcomes measures including measures of pain, activity, and quality-adjusted life years. Furthermore, repair has recently been demonstrated to be beneficial not only at the level of the individual patient, but also in terms of overall societal healthcare costs. The following provides a description of the authors preferred method of medial meniscus root repair. Advantages of the presented technique include a biomechanically strong suture construct, no need for a posterior portal, and instrumentation designed specifically for the knee. The methods described represent a readily-employable approach to meniscus repair and preservation, an undertaking which is critically important to preserving knee function.

Increased extrusion and ICRS grades at 2-year follow-up following transtibial medial meniscal root repair evaluated by MRI.

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the short-term results of meniscal root repair surgery, assessing clinical and radiographic outcomes, utilizing MRI to assess root healing and extent of post-operative extrusion. This was a single-center, retrospective study evaluating patients who had undergone a medial meniscus posterior root repair using a transtibial pullout technique with two locking cinch sutures. Demographic data were collected from patient charts. Clinical outcomes were assessed with pre- and post-operative IKDC and Lysholm scores. Pre-op scores were taken at the patients' initial clinical visit, mean 1.55months prior to surgery (± 1.8months, min 0.3, max 7.3). Radiographic outcomes were assessed with MRI evaluation of root healing, meniscal extrusion, and cartilage degeneration using ICRS criteria. Tunnel placement was evaluated and compared to the anatomic footprint. Eighteen patients (47.2years ± 11.9) were evaluated at mean follow-up of 24.9months (± 7.2, min 18.4, max 35.6). The IKDC score significantly increased from 45.9 (± 12.6) pre-operatively to 76.8 (± 14.7) post-operatively (p < 0.001). Lysholm scores also increased from 50.9 (± 7.11) to 87.1 (± 9.8) (p < 0.001). Mean tunnel placement was 5.3mm (± 3.5, range 0-11.8) away from the anatomic footprint. Mean extrusion increased from 4.74mm (± 1.7) pre-operatively to 5.98 (± 2.8) post-operatively (p < 0.02). No patients with > 3mm of extrusion on pre-operative MRI had < 3mm of extrusion on post-operative MRI. Both medial femoral condyle and medial tibial plateau ICRS grades worsened significantly (p < 0.02 and p < 0.01, respectively). On MRI, one root appeared completely healed, 16 partially healed, and one not healed. Patients treated with the transtibial suture pull-out technique with two locking cinch sutures had improved clinical outcomes, but only partial healing in the majority of cases, increased extrusion, and progression of medial compartment cartilage defect grade on follow-up MRI. Patients should be counseled that although clinical outcomes in the short term may be optimistic, long-term outcomes regarding progression to degenerative arthritis may not be as predictable. III.

Discrepancy Between Radiographic and Clinical Outcomes at Two Year Follow-Up Following Transtibial Medial Meniscal Root Repair

Discrepancy Between Radiographic and Clinical Outcomes at Two Year Follow-Up Following Transtibial Medial Meniscal Root Repair

Medial meniscal root repair with the lasso technique

Objectives:To describe a new technique for repair of root tears of the medial meniscus. To determine that this technique is not inferior to other pull out repair techniques as described in the current literature.Methods:This paper reports on an observational series of an operative technique for repair of root tears of the medial meniscus. Twenty-five sequential patients presenting with root tears of the medial meniscus are described. The technique describes a simple method for repairing the root of the medial meniscus using a trans-tibial tunnel, suture loop, Fast-Fix meniscal sutures and a modified ACL jig as a prototype device.Results:Two objective failures have occurred in 25 sequential patients. 13 patients presented with significant medial femoral condyle oedema on MRI scan, all resolved on 6 months post operative MRI. Patients showed marked improvement in outcome measures with an average increase in the following scores;Tegner Lysholm of 50.8, KOOS of 46.9, IKDC 43, Oxford Knee Score 22.6, WOMAC 49.3.Time from injury to surgery appears to be a predictor of failure.Conclusion:The described technique compares reasonably to similar case series in the current literature. A successful outcome results in significant improvement in patient reported outcomes. Delay to surgery is a risk factor for failure.

Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Repair Using a Transtibial Technique

The meniscal roots are critical in maintaining the normal shock absorbing function of the meniscus. If a meniscal root tear is left untreated, meniscal extrusion can occur rendering the meniscus nonfunctional resulting in degenerative arthritis. Two main repair techniques are described: (1) suture anchors (direct fixation) and (2) sutures pulled through a tibial tunnel (indirect fixation). Meniscal root repair using a suture anchor technique is technically challenging requiring a posterior portal and a curved suture passing device that can be difficult to manipulate within the knee. We present a technique for posterior medial meniscus root repair using 3 sutures (1 leader, 2 cinch), standard arthroscopy portals, and transtibial fixation. Overall, this technique simplifies a challenging procedure and allows for familiarity and efficiency.

Arthroscopic Repair of Posterior Meniscal Root Tears

Objectives:The purpose of this study was to compare subjective clinical outcomes in patients requiring arthroscopic transtibial pullout repair for posterior meniscus root tears of the medial and lateral menisci. We hypothesized that improvement in function and activity level would be similar among patients undergoing lateral and medial meniscal root repairs.Methods:This study was IRB approved. All patients who underwent posterior meniscal root repair by a single orthopaedic surgeon were included in this study. Detailed operative data were documented at surgery. Patients completed a subjective questionnaire, including Lysholm score, Tegner activity scale, WOMAC, SF-12 and patient satisfaction with outcome, which were collected preoperatively and at a minimum of two years postoperatively. Failure was defined as any patient who underwent revision meniscal root repair or partial meniscectomy following the index surgery.Results:There were 50 patients (16 females, 34 males) with a mean age of 37.8 years (range, 16.6-65.7) and a mean BMI of 27.3 (range, 20.5-49.2) included in this study. Fifteen patients underwent lateral meniscus root repair and 35 patients underwent medial meniscus root repair. Three patients who underwent lateral meniscus root repair required revision meniscus root repair surgery, while no patients who underwent medial meniscus root repair required revision surgery (p=0.26). There was a significant difference in preoperative and postoperative Lysholm score (53 vs. 78) (p<0.001), Tegner activity scale (2.0 vs. 4.0) (p=0.03), SF-12 physical component subscale (38 vs. 50) (p=0.001) and WOMAC (36 vs. 8) (p<0.001) for the total population. Median patient satisfaction with outcome was 9 (range, 1-10). There was no significant difference in mean age between lateral and medial root repair groups (32 vs. 40) (p=0.12) or gender (p=0.19). There was no significant difference in gender between lateral and medial root repair groups (p=0.95). There was a significant difference in concurrent ACL reconstructions between lateral versus medial root repair groups (67% vs. 17%) (p<0.001). There was no significant difference in average postoperative Lysholm score (75 vs. 80) (p=0.31), IKDC (72 vs. 71) (p=0.23), SF-12 physical component subscale (48.4 vs. 51.0) (p=0.85) or WOMAC score (2.7 vs. 1.7) (p=0.80) for lateral versus medial meniscus root repairs. There was no significant difference in median postoperative Tegner activity scale for lateral versus medial meniscus root repairs (4 vs. 4) (p=0.88) or in median patient satisfaction with outcome for lateral versus medial meniscus root repairs (9 vs. 9) (p=0.61).Conclusion:There were no differences in outcomes between patients who underwent medial versus lateral arthroscopic meniscus root repair surgery. All patients who underwent arthroscopic repair of medial or lateral meniscus root tears demonstrated a significant improvement in function and activity level at a minimum two year follow-up. Overall, patients were highly satisfied with their outcomes.

A Medial Meniscal Root Pullout Repair With the Use of a Tibial Tunnel Suturing Technique

A meniscal root tear is one of the common knee injuries that can lead to degenerative changes in the knee joint. Meniscal root repairs can restore proper biomechanics of the knee joint. We have developed a suturing technique that uses a tibial tunnel for a pullout suture medial meniscal root repair. This is a straightforward technique that helps to promote simple suturing of the medial meniscal root, avoid iatrogenic injuries to the articular cartilage, and produce an additional working portal during a meniscal root repair.

Transosseous Medial Meniscal Root Repair Using a Modified Mason-Allen Suture Configuration

Medial meniscal tears are among the most common injuries to the knee joint. Loss of the meniscus has been linked to increased contact pressures on the adjacent articular cartilage and progression of degenerative changes in the knee. A subset of tears known as “root tears” involves the insertion of the posterior horn of the meniscus to the bone. Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy for root tears led to undesirable outcomes, which prompted surgeons to explore restorative procedures. Multiple repair techniques have been presented with an emphasis placed on initial secure fixation and stimulation of potential healing. We present an arthroscopic-assisted technique for medial meniscal root repair with these goals in mind.