Meniscal Tears Research Articles

Three Morphological Risk Factors for Predicting Isolated Meniscal Bucket-handle Tear.

The study aimed to investigate whether morphometric variables of the knee can predict isolated meniscal bucket-handle tears and identify the risk factors. The study included 146 participants with a mean age of 36.547 ± 12.279years. They included two groups of 73 patients each: one group with isolated meniscal bucket-handle tears and another with no knee injury (control group). Magnetic resonance imaging findings of the participants were retrospectively assessed. A few morphometric variables associated with distal femur, proximal tibia, and cruciate ligaments were measured. Cruciate ligament tensity (CLT), medial femoral condylar height (MFCH), and lateral meniscal bone angle (LMBA) were found to be 12.7 ± 0.3, 30.1 ± 2.5mm, and 21.2° ± 3.4°, respectively, in patients with meniscal bucket-handle tear, compared with 11.9 ± 0.2, 28.3 ± 2.7mm, and 26.5° ± 3.7° in the control group, respectively. Based on multivariate Firth's logistic regression analysis, CLT (Odds ratio [OR]: 456.533; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 27.582 to > 999.999), MFCH (OR: 1.603; 95% CI: 1.023-2.513), and LMBA (OR: 0.780; 95% CI: 0.624-0.975) could distinguish between meniscal bucket-handle tears and knees without meniscus tears (p < 0.05). Based on the multicategorical multinominal regression model, CLT (OR: > 999.999; 95% CI: 49.937 to > 999.999) and MFCH (OR: 1.903; 95% CI: 1.005-3.606) were the determinant variables in differentiating medial meniscal bucket-handle tears from knees without meniscus tears (p < 0.05). Large CLT, high medial condyle, and small LMBA were revealed as the morphometric risk factors for meniscal bucket-handle tear.

Repair of radial tears of the lateral meniscus on a stable knee: Results at a minimum follow-up of 2 years

IntroductionIn younger patients, meniscal repair is recommended for isolated lateral meniscus tears that are most often due to acute trauma. But there is little published data on the outcomes of repairing this specific type of lesion. The goal of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes, report the failure rate of repairing radial tears of the lateral meniscus in stable knees and determine the risk factors for failure. Materials and methodsAll patients who had a stable knee and underwent arthroscopic repair of a radial lateral meniscus tear between April 2013 and December 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. Failure was defined as revision surgery for recurrence of symptoms (pain, locking) with intraoperative confirmation that the meniscus did not heal. The following data were collected: demographics (age, sex, BMI), time to surgery, clinical outcome scores (Tegner, Lysholm, IKDC), surgical details (repair technique, lesion zone, number of sutures). ResultsThirty patients were included having a mean age of 20.1years (14–31). The follow-up ranged from 24 to 110months (mean 66.8±25.2). An all-inside repair was done in 6 patients (20%); an outside-in technique was done in 17 patients (57%) and a combination of all-inside and outside-in was done in 7 patients (23%). Four patients (13%) had a recurrence of their symptoms later on, while participating in sports. All the recurrences were at the initial tear site. The time to revision surgery was 16, 19, 24 and 37months in these four patients (mean 24±9). All the other patients were able to resume sports at their pre-injury level. Significant improvement in the IKDC, Lysholm and Tegner functional scores were found between the preoperative and postoperative assessments. No statistically significant risk factors for failure were identified. DiscussionThe functional healing rate after repair of a radial lateral meniscus tear in a stable knee was 86% at a mean follow-up of 5years, with the surgical technique having no impact on the long-term result. Most of the failures occurred within 2years of the repair procedure. We recommend repairing these tears as they have considerable healing potential. Level of evidenceIV; retrospective observational cohort study.

Effect of loading direction and anatomical location on the ultimate tensile stress, fracture toughness, and failure patterns of knee meniscus

BackgroundRupture of the knee menisci is a common injury that can have implications for other conditions, such as osteoarthritis. The fracture toughness of soft tissue (Jc) is a mechanical property that characterizes its resistance to tear extension. To date, Jc of the meniscus has not been quantified. MethodsCyclic tensile tests were conducted on meniscus samples to determine Jc and explore its characteristics. Initially, the study investigated the impact of an initial notch on the ultimate tensile stress. This allowed for an understanding of how the presence of a notch affects its structural integrity. Subsequently, Jc was measured in both the radial and circumferential directions to assess its loading direction dependency. Furthermore, the study assessed the effect of anatomical location by comparing samples collected from the femoral and tibial layers. ResultsDefect tolerance of the meniscus is influenced by the loading direction. In the circumferential direction, the presence of an initial notch did not affect the ultimate stress, and no crack expansion was observed. In radial samples with a notch length of 40% or more of the total width, crack propagation occurred, leading to a decrease in the ultimate stress (p< 0.01). Additionally, Jc was found to be higher in the femoral layer compared to the tibial layer (p= 0.017). ConclusionThe study also examined the failure patterns of the meniscus to enhance our understanding of its pathology. These insights contribute to a better comprehension of meniscus injuries and can aid in the development of more effective treatment strategies.

Evaluation of ligament and meniscal injuries following knee trauma by MRI and its correlation with arthroscopy

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive, quick and convenient investigation for evaluation of ligament and meniscal pathologies of the knee joint. Although arthroscopy is an invasive procedure it is considered the gold standard for evaluating injuries to menisci and ligaments and can be used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purpose. The purpose of this study was to evaluate cruciate ligament and meniscal injuries following knee trauma by MRI and correlate the findings with arthroscopy. Materials and methods: This was a prospective study conducted at our institution including 61 patients with clinically suspected ligament and meniscal injury of knee. All the patients initially underwent MRI and subsequent arthroscopy. The location, type and grade of meniscal and ligament tears on MRI were recorded and later correlated with arthroscopic findings. Results: The right knee joint was involved in 65.6 % and the left knee in 34.4 % of cases. The anterior cruciate ligament was the most commonly injured structure. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of MRI in detecting anterior cruciate ligament injury were 100%, 71.4% and 96.72 % respectively, posterior cruciate ligament injury (100%, 100% and 100% respectively), medial meniscus injury (100%, 78.8% and 88.5% respectively) and lateral meniscus injury (100%, 90.5% and 93.44% respectively). Conclusion: MRI is highly sensitive and accurate in detection of cruciate ligament and meniscal tears. A good correlation was obtained between MRI and arthroscopic findings in this study. MRI used as a screening tool prior to arthroscopy helps in avoiding negative diagnostic arthroscopy. Keywords: anterior cruciate ligament; posterior cruciate ligament; medial meniscus; lateral meniscus; arthroscopy

Comparing meibomian gland visibility on optical coherence tomography and Keratograph 5M images using objective and subjective grading methods

PurposeTo investigate if there is a visible difference in meibomian gland (MG) length between images captured with the Visante optical coherence tomography (OCT; wavelength = 1,310 nm) and the OCULUS Keratograph 5M (K5M; wavelength = 880 nm). MethodsAdults between 18 and 40 years were recruited. Baseline dry eye disease was evaluated with the Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness (SPEED) and tear meniscus height and tear breakup time with the K5M. Right upper and lower eyelid MGs were imaged with the K5M and Visante OCT. Each image was graded with the 0 to 3 meiboscore scale. The central 5 MGs were evaluated with ImageJ for percent gland length visibility. ResultsThirty participants were analyzed with a median (interquartile range [IQR]) age of 23.0 (5.0) years (53.3 % female). Overall, participants were asymptomatic and had normal tear films. Meiboscores based on K5M and Visante OCT was significantly different for the lower eyelid (0[1] vs 1[2]; p = 0.007) but not the upper eyelid (0[1] vs 0[1]; p = 1.00). The mean percent gland visibility of the upper eyelid (82.7[9.6] vs 75.2[13.5]; p < 0.001) and the lower eyelid (81.2[12.7] vs 64.1[17.6]; p < 0.001) were significantly greater on the Visante OCT than the K5M images, respectively. ConclusionOCT images had significantly greater percent visible MG lengths than the K5M images. This suggests viable segments of the MGs may be missed with typical imaging, which may explain how it is possible that studies have found less post-treatment MG atrophy.

Incidence and Characteristics of Knee Ligament and Meniscal Injuries in Patients With Posterolateral Tibial Plateau Fractures.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are commonly seen with concomitant injuries to the posterolateral tibial plateau, while the occurrence of ACL injuries in posterolateral tibial plateau fractures (PTPFs) remains unclear. To (1) explore the incidence of knee ligament (anterior or posterior cruciate ligament, medial or lateral collateral ligament) and medial or lateral meniscus injuries in patients with PTPF and (2) find reliable PTPF-related parameters to predict the risk of knee ligament and meniscal injuries. Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Patients diagnosed with PTPF who had computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data were identified. Morphological parameters of the PTPF were measured on sagittal computed tomography images. Knee ligament and meniscal injuries were assessed using MRI. The association of ACL injuries with meniscal injuries was analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to determine the value and cutoff point of the PTPF morphological parameters for diagnosing complete in-substance ACL tears. Overall, 113 patients with PTPF were included. ACL injuries were present in 94 (83.2%) patients, including 43 (38.1%) avulsion fractures and 28 (24.8%) complete in-substance tears. Patients with in-substance ACL tears had a higher incidence of lateral meniscus posterior horn tears compared with the other patients (PBonferroni < .001). ROC analysis revealed that both the fracture depression angle (cutoff point, 25.5°) and the posterior articular surface loss percentage (cutoff point, 37.5%) had a sensitivity >90% and a specificity >80% for the diagnosis of complete in-substance ACL tears. ACL injuries were seen in 83.2% of the study patients. Complete in-substance ACL tears were associated with an increased incidence of lateral meniscus posterior horn tears. Among PTPF parameters, fracture depression angle and posterior articular surface loss percentage showed a high predictive value for the presence of complete in-substance ACL tears, thereby reducing delays in diagnosis and treatment.

Post-traumatic and OA-related lesions in the knee at baseline and 2 years after traumatic meniscal injury: Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveTo assess the presence of early degenerative changes on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) 24 months after a traumatic meniscal tear and to compare these changes in patients treated with arthroscopic partial meniscectomy or physical therapy plus optional delayed arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. DesignWe included patients aged 18-45 years with a recent onset, traumatic, MRI verified, isolated meniscal tear without radiographic osteoarthritis. Patients were randomized to arthroscopic partial meniscectomy or standardized physical therapy with optional delayed arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. MRIs at baseline and 24 months were scored using the MRI Osteoarthritis Knee Score (MOAKS). We compared baseline MRIs to healthy controls aged 18-40 years. The outcome was the progression of bone marrow lesions (BMLs), cartilage defects and osteophytes after 24 months in patients. ResultsWe included 99 patients and 50 controls. At baseline, grade 2 and 3 BMLs were present in 26% of the patients (n=26), compared to 2% of the controls (n=1) (between group difference 24% (95% CI 15% to 34%)). In patients, 35% (n=35) had one or more cartilage defects grade 1 or higher, compared to 2% of controls (n=1) (between group difference 33% (95% CI 23% to 44%)). At 24 months MRI was available for 40 patients randomized to arthroscopic partial meniscectomy and 41 patients randomized to physical therapy. At 24 months 30% (n=12) of the patients randomized to arthroscopic partial meniscectomy showed BML worsening, compared to 22% (n=9) of the patients randomized to physical therapy (between group difference 8% (95% CI -11% to 27%)). Worsening of cartilage defects was present in 40% (n=16) of the arthroscopic partial meniscectomy group, compared to 22% (n=9) of the physical therapy group (between group difference 18% (95% CI -2% to 38%)). Of the patients who had no cartilage defect at baseline, 33% of the arthroscopic partial meniscectomy group had a new cartilage defect at follow-up compared to 14% of the physical therapy group. Osteophyte worsening was present in 18% (n=7) of the arthroscopic partial meniscectomy group and 15% (n=6) of the physical therapy group (between group difference 3% (95% CI -13% to 19%)). ConclusionsOur results might suggest more worsening of BMLs and cartilage defects with arthroscopic partial meniscectomy compared to physical therapy with optional delayed arthroscopic partial meniscectomy at 24-month follow-up in young patients with isolated traumatic meniscal tears without radiographic OA.

The pie-crust surgical technique for medial collateral ligament release: enhancing visualization of the medial compartment in knee arthroscopy.

This study presents a comprehensive surgical technique for performing a 'pie-crust' release of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) to enhance visualization of the medial compartment during arthroscopic knee procedures. The primary objective of this research is to improve the precision of diagnosis and treatment for injuries specifically affecting the posterior horn and posterior root of the medial meniscus. Arthroscopic knee procedures have become increasingly common in orthopedic surgery, offering the advantage of minimally invasive techniques for treating a wide range of knee conditions. However, accessing and visualizing the posterior structures within the medial compartment can be challenging. To overcome this limitation, the surgical technique presented in this study offers a systematic approach that includes patient positioning, precise identification of anatomical landmarks, and a detailed, step-by-step procedural description. The process begins with meticulous marking of anatomical landmarks to provide reference points. Precisely identifying the location for the MCL release is of utmost importance. This involves making needle punctures with guidance from arthroscopic visualization and applying valgus strain to the knee as necessary. One of the key advantages of this described surgical technique is its focus on safety and efficacy. Surgeons can work more confidently and precisely by reducing the risk of iatrogenic cartilage damage and facilitating access to the posterior structures within the medial compartment. Clinical outcomes from this approach have demonstrated consistently favorable results, leading to improved patient recovery and reduced complications. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that the postoperative use of a brace is not mandatory, adding to the appeal of this technique for both patients and surgeons. This surgical technique's enhanced visualization and optimized treatment outcomes make it a valuable tool in the arsenal of orthopedic surgeons specializing in knee arthroscopy. In conclusion, this study's surgical technique has the potential to significantly improve the diagnosis and treatment of patients with meniscal injuries in the medial compartment, ultimately leading to better clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Association Between MRI Signal Intensity of the Repaired Lateral Meniscus and Residual Anterolateral Knee Laxity After ACL Reconstruction.

Anterolateral knee laxity (ALLx) has been linked to tears of the lateral meniscus (LM) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. To investigate the longitudinal relationship between the signal intensity (SI) of the repaired LM on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and residual ALLx after ACL reconstruction (ACLR). Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Included were 87 patients who underwent double-bundle ACLR and lateral meniscal repair (mean age, 23.5 years; body mass index, 23.7 kg/m2; 56 women) at a single institution between 2010 and 2019. Proton density-weighted (PDW) and T2-weighted (T2W) MRI was performed at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, and the SI ratio (SIR) was calculated as (SI of the repaired LM)/(SI of the posterior cruciate ligament). At the 12-month follow-up, ALLx was evaluated using the pivot-shift test; an International Knee Documentation Committee grade ≥1 indicated residual ALLx. Overall, 12 patients (13.8%) exhibited ALLx at 12 months postoperatively. At 3 months postoperatively, the SIR on PDW images (SIR-PDW) was significantly higher in patients with ALLx versus those without ALLx (1.98 ± 0.77 vs 1.49 ± 0.52, respectively; P = .007); there was no difference in the SIR on T2W images between the groups. SIR-PDW at 3 months postoperatively was correlated negatively with patient age (r = -0.308, P = .004). When patients were stratified into a younger (≤22 years; n = 53; ALLx = 7 [13.2%]) and an older (>22 years; n = 34; ALLx = 5 [14.7%]) group, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) for SIR-PDW in the younger group were statistically significant for predicting the prevalence of ALLx at all follow-up times (AUCs, 0.733-0.788) with optimal cutoff values of 2.00 at 3 months, 1.50 at 6 months, and 1.50 at 12 months. Logistic regression analysis revealed that if younger patients consistently had higher SIR-PDW values than the cutoff values, they were more likely to have residual ALLx (odds ratios, 10.24-23.57). For younger patients who underwent both ACLR and lateral meniscal repair, higher MRI SI of the repaired LM was associated with a higher prevalence of residual ALLx.

Epidemiology of Knee Injuries in Baseball Players from the State of São Paulo.

Objective This study aimed to identify the main knee complaints and injuries associated with baseball and their prevalence in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Methods This epidemiological study analyzed data from an online questionnaire sent to baseball athletes from the state of São Paulo, Brazil, from 2019 to 2022. Results Ninety-eight athletes participated in the study. Their average age was 24.3 years, and 85.72% of the subjects were men. The most prevalent ethnicities were yellow (50%) and white (42.86%). Most athletes had incomplete or complete higher education (75.5%). Most (88.77%) have been training for over 1 year, and 40.82% played in more than 1 position. More than half also practiced another sport. Most (66.32%) athletes present knee complaints or symptoms, and 37.75% had suffered a knee injury playing baseball, with several mechanisms (contact with the ground, contact with another player, or no contact). More than half (59.45%) of the athletes required time away from baseball due to complaints, symptoms, or injuries. Conclusion Among the athletes interviewed, 66.32% had a knee complaint, and 37.75% had already had a knee injury, especially meniscal and ligament injuries. The injury rate was highest in the first year of practice.

Circumferential Cross-Stitch Suture for Longitudinal Lateral Meniscal Tear Around the Popliteal Tendon Hiatus Region

Lateral meniscal repair of the popliteal hiatus is technically demanding. The inside-out technique requires an additional incision and carries the risk of posterolateral soft tissue damage to the knee joint. In addition, the presence of the popliteal tendon limits the route of the suture thread. Within the current trend of the all-inside suture technique, meniscal suture-based all-inside repair demonstrates biomechanical advantages over anchor-based all-inside repair. We introduce a meniscal suture-based all-inside meniscal repair technique for longitudinal lateral meniscal tears.

Displaced meniscal tears using clock face method: A pictorial essay

In this pictorial essay, we describe the position of the displaced meniscal fragment using the clock face method with an aim to guide the arthroscopist about its exact displaced location. Accurate diagnosis of meniscal tears and their displacements, along with their description, is imperative for arthroscopists to help with appropriate treatment. Using the clock face method for describing the displaced fragment, a uniform description of the displacements can be standardized.

Item-Specific Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Characterization of Patients With Medial Meniscus Root Tear.

Most studies regarding medial meniscus posterior root tear (MMPRT) report total Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) subscale values as important patient-reported outcomes, but there are few symptom-specific characterizations of patients with MMPRT. The purpose of this study was to characterize the prevalence and severity of symptoms and functional limitations among patients with MMPRT based on item-level KOOS responses. It was hypothesized that patients with MMPRT would show similar symptoms to those of other meniscal tear types, with items from the KOOS pain subscale forming a majority of the most severe and prevalent symptoms. Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. The records of 1466 patients with medial meniscus root tear between January 2017 and December 2021 at a single institution were reviewed. KOOS subscale scores and item-specific responses from initial evaluation were collected for each patient. Each KOOS item was scored on a scale from 1 (none/least severe) to 5 (extreme/most severe). Median and mean item-level responses were calculated and ranked in order of most to least severe. For statistical analysis, item-level prevalence rates were calculated as the proportion of patients reporting at least mild symptoms and ranked from most to least prevalent. Included were 61 patients with MMPRT verified on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The most severe items according to item-level KOOS response were as follows: awareness of knee problem (mean, 4.62 [95% CI, 4.47-4.78]), difficulty jumping (mean, 4.06 [95% CI, 3.73-4.39]), difficulty twisting or pivoting (mean, 4.04 [95% CI, 3.76-4.32]), difficulty kneeling (mean, 3.98 [95% CI, 3.65-4.31]), and modification of lifestyle (mean, 3.94 [95% CI, 3.69-4.20]). The most prevalent items were knee stiffness later in the day, pain going up- or downstairs, difficulty ascending stairs, difficulty getting in and out of the car, difficulty twisting or pivoting, awareness of knee problem, and modification of lifestyle, with all patients reporting at least mild symptoms for each. Of the 11 most severe and prevalent symptoms, 8 came from the KOOS-Pain item-specific responses. Pain-related items made up a majority of the most severe and most prevalent symptoms as identified by the item-specific KOOS responses. However, meniscal symptoms commonly seen in other tear types, such as clicking and knee stiffness, were still quite prevalent in patients with MMPRT.

Do MRI Results Represent Functional Outcomes Following Arthroscopic Repair of an Isolated Meniscus Tear in Young Patients?-A Prospective Comparative Cohort Study.

The use of postoperative MRI to assess the healing status of repaired menisci is a long-standing issue. This study evaluates and compares functional and MRI outcomes following an arthroscopic meniscus repair procedure with the aim of postoperative MRI diagnostic accuracy clarification in young patients. A total of 35 patients under 18 years old who underwent isolated meniscus repair were included. The Pedi-IKDC score, Lysholm score, and Tegner activity index (TAS) were compared between the groups formed according to the Stroller and Crues three-grade classification of postoperative MRI-based evaluations. Grade 3 MRI views were classified as unhealed, grade 2 as partially healed, and grade 1 as fully healed within the repaired meniscus, whereas grade 3 cases were considered unsuccessful due to MRI evaluation. MRI assessment revealed 4 cases of grade 1 (11.4%), 14 cases of grade 2 (40.8%), and 17 cases of grade 3 (48.0%) lesions. Pedi-IKDC and TAS scores were significantly higher among MRI grade 2 patients than among MRI grade 3 patients (p < 0.05). Weak negative correlations between MRI grades and all functional scales were found (p < 0.05). ROC analysis showed that Pedi-IKDC and TAS scores could correctly classify 77% and 71% of MRI grade 3 patients, respectively. The optimal cut-off values to detect grade 3 patients were 88.74 for the Pedi-IKDC score and 4.5 for the TAS score. To conclude, established functional score cut-off values may help identify unhealed meniscus repair patients.

Osteoarthritis Development Following Meniscectomy vs. Meniscal Repair for Posterior Medial Meniscus Injuries: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review aims to evaluate critically and synthesize the existing literature on the outcomes of meniscectomy versus meniscal repair for posterior medial meniscus injuries, with a focus on osteoarthritis (OA) development. We sought to assess the incidence of OA following both treatment modalities, compare functional outcomes post-treatment, and identify factors influencing treatment choice, providing evidence-based recommendations for clinical decision-making. A comprehensive search strategy was employed across PubMed, Scopus, and Embase up until December 2023, adhering to PRISMA guidelines. The primary outcomes included OA development, functional knee outcomes, and quality of life measures. Six studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing 298 patients. The systematic review revealed a significant association between meniscal repair and decreased progression of OA compared to meniscectomy. Meniscectomy patients demonstrated a 51.42% progression rate towards OA, significantly higher than the 21.28% observed in meniscal repair patients. Functional outcomes, as measured by the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm scores, were notably better in the repair group, with average scores of 74.68 (IKDC) and 83.78 (Lysholm) compared to 67.55 (IKDC) and 74.56 (Lysholm) in the meniscectomy group. Furthermore, the rate of complete healing in the repair group was reported at 71.4%, as one study reported, indicating a favorable prognosis for meniscal preservation. However, these pooled data should be interpreted with consideration to the heterogeneity of the analyzed studies. Meniscal repair for posterior medial meniscus injuries is superior to meniscectomy in preventing OA development and achieving better functional outcomes and quality of life post-treatment. These findings strongly suggest the adoption of meniscal repair as the preferred treatment modality for such injuries, emphasizing the need for a paradigm shift in clinical practice towards preserving meniscal integrity to optimize patient outcomes.

Ochronotic arthropathy knee-arthroscopic diagnosis and treatment – A case report

Ochronotic arthropathy is a rare hereditary disorder found in patients with Alkaptonuria due to a deficiency of Homogentisic acid oxidase. It is associated with the deposition of homogentisic acid derivatives in various connective tissues, causing characteristic pigmentation known as ochronosis. Due to its clinical resemblance to that of a degenerative disorder, the diagnosis of ochronotic arthropathy usually occurs intraoperatively. This case report is of a 56-year-old male who presented with complaints of pain and swelling in the right knee. Clinical examination and MRI findings were correlated to reveal a tear of the lateral meniscus. On arthroscopy, the blackish-brown pigmentation of the meniscus and the articular cartilage led to a diagnosis of ochronotic arthropathy. The pathology and biochemistry studies further support this. Arthroscopy plays an important tool in terms of the management of patients with ochronosis. The characteristic findings, in this case, report may help in establishing the diagnosis of ochronotic arthropathy without other systemic presentations. It can help in delaying inevitable progression and allow patients to be pain-free for longer periods. Arthroscopy delays the need for arthroplasty.

Functional outcomes in single stage bilateral ACL reconstruction with a maximum follow up of 10 years

BackgroundBilateral ACL injuries are a rarity and there is no particular consensus on whether this rare problem has to be tackled in stages or in a single stage. There are a few studies and case reports in the literature about the outcomes in single staged bilateral Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). This study is focused on functional outcomes after a single staged bilateral ACLR, as well as impact of simultaneity of the injury, meniscal tears, notch stenosis and hyperlaxity. Materials and methodsA retrospective study was conducted from 2013 to 2021. Patients with bilateral ACL injury either simultaneous or non simultaneous, with or without meniscal tears were included in this study. Pre operative diagnosis was made both clinically and by MR imaging. All patients underwent a single staged bilateral ACL reconstruction. Pre operative functional scores (IKDC and Lysholm) were taken at admission and patients were examined at regular follow ups. Final functional scores were collected in a phone interview. Results33 patients underwent bilateral ACLR in a single stage during the study period but one patient had revision ACLR in one knee and so was excluded. Of the 32 patients, 25 (78%) had non simultaneous injury and 7 (22%) had a simultaneous injury, meniscus tear was noted in 27 (84.4%), notch stenosis in 19 (59.3%) and hyperlaxity in 12 (37.5%). IKDC and Lysholm scores have improved postoperatively. No statistically significant difference was found with or without simultaneous injury or meniscus tears. ConclusionSingle stage bilateral ACL reconstruction is a safe, reproducible approach to bilateral ACL injuries whether they were simultaneous or non simultaneous or with or without meniscal tears.

The relationship between lateral femoral condyle ratio measured by MRI and anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Previous studies have shown that the lateral femoral condyle ratio (LFCR) measured by X-ray has a significant relationship with the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. However, few relevant studies have been performed on LFCR measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). (1) To evaluate the relationship between LFCR measured by MRI and ACL injury or rerupture. (2) To compare the LFCR measured by MRI with existing bony morphological risk factors and screen out the most predictive risk factors for primary ACL injury or rerupture. Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Totally 147 patients who underwent knee arthroscopic surgery from 2015 to 2019 with minimum follow-up of 48months were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were placed into three groups: 1) the control group of patients with simple meniscus tears without ligament injury; 2) the primary noncontact ACL injury group; 3) ACL rerupture group (ACL reconstruction failure). The LFCR measured by MRI and other previous known risk factors associated with MRI (notch width index, medial tibial slope, lateral tibial slope, medial tibial depth, lateral tibial height) were performed to evaluate their predictive value for ACL injury and rerupture. All the risk factors with p < 0.01 according to univariate analysis were included in the logistic regression models. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were analyzed for sensitivity, specificity, cut-off, and area under the curve (AUC). Z tests were used to compare the AUC values. The LFCR measured by MRI was obviously higher in primary ACL injury group (0.628 ± 0.020) and in ACL rerupture group (0.625 ± 0.021) than that in the control group (0.593 ± 0.030). The best risk factor was the LFCR with a cut-off of 0.602 (AUC, 0.818; 95% CI, 0.748-0.878; sensitivity, 90%; specificity, 66%). When combined with lateral tibial slope (cutoff, 7°) and lateral tibial height (cutoff, 3.6mm), the diagnostic performance was improved significantly (AUC, 0.896; 95% CI, 0.890-0.950; sensitivity, 87%; specificity, 80%). The increased LFCR measured by MRI was associated with a significantly higher risk for ACL injury or rerupture. The combination of LFCR, lateral tibial slope and lateral tibial height were the most predictive risk factors. This may help clinicians identify susceptible individuals and allow precision approaches for better prevention, treatment and management of this disease.

Silk fibroin hydrogel adhesive enables sealed-tight reconstruction of meniscus tears

Despite orientationally variant tears of the meniscus, suture repair is the current clinical gold treatment. However, inaccessible tears in company with re-tears susceptibility remain unresolved. To extend meniscal repair tools from the perspective of adhesion and regeneration, we design a dual functional biologic-released bioadhesive (S-PIL10) comprised of methacrylated silk fibroin crosslinked with phenylboronic acid-ionic liquid loading with growth factor TGF-β1, which integrates chemo-mechanical restoration with inner meniscal regeneration. Supramolecular interactions of β-sheets and hydrogen bonds richened by phenylboronic acid-ionic liquid (PIL) result in enhanced wet adhesion, swelling resistance, and anti-fatigue capabilities, compared to neat silk fibroin gel. Besides, elimination of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by S-PIL10 further fortifies localized meniscus tear repair by affecting inflammatory microenvironment with dynamic borate ester bonds, and S-PIL10 continuously releases TGF-β1 for cell recruitment and bridging of defect edge. In vivo rabbit models functionally evidence the seamless and dense reconstruction of torn meniscus, verifying that the concept of meniscus adhesive is feasible and providing a promising revolutionary strategy for preclinical research to repair meniscus tears.

Method to Recover from Meniscus Tearing

A torn meniscus, a prevalent knee injury, holds significant importance due to its impact on post-surgery outcomes. Failure to undergo timely and appropriate rehabilitation can result in numerous complications, including muscle atrophy and limited joint mobility. Current research has made strides in assessing the efficacy of various rehabilitation protocols for patients with meniscus tears, aiming to restore strength and functionality to the affected knee. Despite progress, challenges persist, such as determining the optimal timing and intensity of rehabilitation exercises and addressing individual variability in recovery rates. Thus, the crux lies in selecting tailored treatments that address the specific nature and severity of the meniscus injury, aiming to mitigate post-operative complications like muscle atrophy and ensure comprehensive recovery.