Posterior Horn Of The Medial Meniscus Research Articles

Arthroscopic All-Suture Anchor Technique for Unstable Ramp Lesions with Medial Meniscal Defects

A ramp lesion is a specific type of tear in the meniscocapsular junction of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus, usually associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Biomechanical cadaveric studies have shown that ACL injury combined with ramp lesions significantly increases anterior tibial translation and external rotation, which ACL reconstruction alone cannot completely control. Additionally, ramp lesions are sometimes associated with medial meniscal defects, especially in cases of chronic ACL deficiency after repetitive traumatic events, in which the anatomical repair of the meniscocapsular junction is infeasible. This report describes a new arthroscopic repair technique using an all-suture anchor through a posteromedial portal for unstable ramp lesions with medial meniscal defects.

Meniscal Ramp Repair: Double-Row Anatomic Repair in Acute Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears

The surgical management of medial meniscus ramp lesions can be challenging. Currently, repairs are performed via a trans-notch view, combined with a single posteromedial working portal. This technique, however, does not allow for a direct and complete visualization of the structures being injured, making a precise appreciation of the injured structures, as well as an anatomical repair, difficult. To overcome this limitation, a 2-portal posteromedial approach has recently been described. It allows better visualization of the mediolateral extent of the tear and a precise identification of the injured structures. In this Technical Note, an anatomic repair technique using this approach is presented. It consists of a double-row of sutures to repair individually both the meniscotibial and meniscocapsular ligament, thus restoring the 2 main components of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus to their natural insertion site.

Ramp Tear among Patients Undergoing Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in a Tertiary Care Centre.

Ramp tear is a specific injury that affects the posterior horn of the medial meniscus and its meniscosynovial or meniscocapsular attachments. The actual prevalence of ramp lesion is unknown due to the high probability of misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis caused by the low sensitivity of imaging modalities and poor visualization during arthroscopy. This study aimed to find out the prevalence of ramp tear among patients undergoing arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in a tertiary care centre. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among patients undergoing arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction after getting ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee. Data from 1 March 2019 to 31 December 2022 was collected between 1 May 2023 to 30 May 2023 from medical records. The study included all patients who underwent arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Patients with a previous history of medial meniscus injury or repair and undergoing revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction were excluded. Convenience sampling method was used. The point estimate was calculated at a 95% Confidence Interval. Out of 412 patients who underwent arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, 53 (12.86%) (9.63-16.09, 95% Confidence Interval) had ramp tears. The mean age of patients with ramp tears was 28.64±7.57 years. Among 53 patients, 42 (79.24%) were male and 11 (20.75%) were female. The prevalence of ramp tears in patients undergoing arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in a tertiary care centre was found to be lower than other studies done in other international studies. anterior cruciate ligament injuries; anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction; arthroscopy.

Clinical and MRI Outcomes of Repaired Peripheral Longitudinal Tears of the Posterior Horn of the Medial Meniscus With ACL Reconstruction: Results According to Tear Size.

Arthroscopic repair of longitudinal tears in the medial meniscal posterior horn (MMPH) has been reported to result in high rates of meniscal healing when performed alongside anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). However, studies that have focused on longitudinal tears and their impact on clinical outcomes after arthroscopic repair are insufficient. To investigate the clinical outcome and healing status after concomitant arthroscopic ACLR and repair of MMPH peripheral longitudinal tears, with respect to the tear length. Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. A total of 263 patients who underwent concurrent arthroscopic suture repair of longitudinal tears of the MMPH and ACLR were enrolled. All patients had 2-year postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluations, and 61% of patients underwent a second-look arthroscopy. The exclusion criteria were partial meniscectomies and multiligament injuries. Patients were assessed pre- and postoperatively for clinical scores, amount of anterior translation, grade of pivot shift, and presence of meniscal tear extension. According to the length of longitudinal tears, patients were classified into 2 groups: (1) patients with tears that were located in the posterior compartment and (2) patients with tears that extended to the midbody of the meniscus. Binary stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the risk factors for unhealed menisci as identified by MRI. A total of 83 patients were included in this study-52 patients (group 1) had MMPH tears without tear extension and 31 patients (group 2) had MMPH tears with tear extension. There were no differences in outcomes between the groups, including the healing rate after meniscal repair (P > .05). Based on postoperative MRI scans, 67 patients (80.7%) were categorized as completely healed and 16 patients (19.3%) as unhealed. There were no significant differences between the completely healed and unhealed groups in outcomes or the rate of preoperative midbody tear extension. Higher body mass index and lower preoperative Lysholm scores were identified as risk factors for unhealed menisci. Overall, the rate of complete healing of MMPH tears repaired concomitantly with ACLR was 80.7% (67/83), and midbody tear extension did not affect the healing rate of the repaired meniscus. Results indicate that suture repair for unstable MMPH tears should be considered regardless of tear size.

Poster 140: The Effect of Posterior Tibial Slope and Flexion Angle on Posterior Medial Meniscal Root Forces

Objectives: Although the biomechanical and clinical consequences of posterior medial meniscal root (PMMR) tears have been previously reported, these have not been fully evaluated in terms of overall bony morphology. It is well documented that higher flexion angles lead to higher postero-medial pressure, with many groups proposing that PMMR tears are caused by elevated compression and shear forces at the root when the loaded knee is at high flexion angles. Additionally, several authors have advocated that increasing tibial plateau slope (PTS) is an anatomical risk factor for PMMR tears, due to the higher posterior shear forces at the root insertion site. Thus, the purposes of this study are to evaluate the forces across the PMMR utilizing a novel three-dimensional forces sensor with varying posterior tibial slopes and flexion angles. We hypothesized that an increased flexion angle and/or posterior tibial slope will result in increased posterior shear forces acting on the PMMR. Methods: Ten fresh-frozen cadaveric knees (53.2 mean age, all male) were tested in all combinations of the three states of posterior tibial slope (5⁰, 10⁰, 15⁰) and the four states of varying flexion angles (0⁰, 30⁰, 60⁰, and 90⁰). A novel three-axis sensor that determines force measurements in three orthogonal directions was installed below the posterior tibial plateau, with the specimen being mounted to a load frame which applied a 500-N axial load. A 5-Nm internal rotational (IR) torque was then applied. After the IR torque, a 5-Nm external rotational torque was applied. The amount of compression-tension and shear forces acting on the PMMR were measured. Results: Increased tibial slope significantly decreased tension and significantly increased compression of the PMMR (5°→10°: p = 0.0368, 5°→15°: p < 0.0001, 10°→15°: p < 0.0001) when the joint was loaded in compression. Increased tibial slope significantly increased anterior shear of the PMMR (5°→10°: p < 0.0001, 5°→15°: p < 0.0001, 10°→15°: p < 0.0001) when the joint was internally rotated. Increased tibial slope significantly decreased compression of the PMMR (5°→10°: p = 0.0188, 5°→15°: p < 0.0001) when the joint was externally rotated. Increased flexion angle significantly increased medial shear forces of the PMMR (0°→30°: p = 0.0362, 0°→60°: p = 0.0005, 0°→90°: p < 0.0001, 30°→90°: p = 0.0434) when the joint was loaded in compression. 90° of flexion significantly increased tension of the PMMR (0°→90°: p = 0.0438, 30°→90°: p < 0.0001, 60°→90°: p = 0.0005) when the joint was internally rotated. 30° of flexion angle significantly increased compression of the PMMR (0°→30°: p = 0.0004, 30°→60°: p = 0.0118, 30°→90°: p < 0.0001) when the joint was externally rotated. Conclusions: Increased PTS results in an increase in compression forces acting on the posterior horn of the medial meniscus when the knee joint is loaded. Increases in flexion angles displays an increase in medial shear forces seen at the PMMR under a load. This increase in force may place the PMMR at increased risk of stress and potential failure after repair. This study begins to provide clinicians with information to create safer protocols to decrease the forces experienced at the PMMR after injury or postoperatively.

Arthroscopic Meniscus Ramp Repair: The Shoelace Technique

Background: A “ramp lesion” is described as an injury involving the peripheral attachment of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus. Ramp lesions are associated with increased loads on anterior cruciate ligament and leads to rotatory instability of knee. During anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, failure to identify and treat ramp lesion leads to increased forces on the reconstructed graft and residual instability which ultimately increases chances for graft failure. It is important to identify the ramp lesions by looking at the posterior compartment and repair ramp lesion. Ramp lesions are still a challenge to treat due to misdiagnosis and long learning curve of current techniques. In this technique, we are presenting margin convergence shoelace technique to repair a large ramp lesion. Indications: Isolated ramp lesions or ramp lesions associated with other ligamentous injuries. Technique Description: Through standard anteromedial and anterolateral portals, diagnostic arthroscopy is done. Using Gillquist maneuver, posteromedial compartment is visualized to look for ramp lesion. Probing is done with 18-gauge spinal needle from posteromedial aspect of knee to look for hidden lesions and extent of tear. We use 2 additional portals, low and high posteromedial portals for ramp repair. Visualizing from anterolateral portal entry is made in the posteromedial compartment; low posteromedial portal is created at the level of meniscus; 8-mm passport cannula is inserted and used as working portal; and then, high posteromedial portal is created and used as viewing portal. Visualizing through high posteromedial portal rasping of ramp lesion is done. Now with knee scorpion loaded with 2-0 fiber wire, bites are taken along posterior margin of meniscus and capsular portion of tear edges alternatively in shoelace manner from lateral to medial. Finally, compression and knot tying are done and secured with multiple half hitches. Results: Surgical repair of ramp lesions is associated with good healing, and it restores stability of knee. Follow-up of more than 2 years shows better functional outcome and reduced retear rates. Discussion/Conclusion: Currently, there are a lot of techniques described for ramp repair. We present arthroscopic ramp repair with dual posteromedial portals by shoelace technique, which is a safe, easy, and cost-effective method and gives excellent results and good healing especially in larger tears. Patient Consent Disclosure Statement: The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.

Poster 321: MENISCAL RAMP LESIONS IN ADOLESCENT PATIENTS UNDERGOING PRIMARY ACL RECONSTRUCTION

Objectives: Meniscal ramp lesions describe a specific injury to the meniscocapsular junction at the posterior horn of the medial meniscus. The lesions are strongly associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries and may affect the biomechanical stability of the knee if left untreated. Despite the increasing rates of ACL reconstructions performed in adolescents each year, the prevalence and risk factors for ramp lesions in this patient population is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for ramp lesions in children and adolescent patients undergoing primary ACL reconstruction. Methods: All patients ≤19 who underwent primary ACL reconstruction at a single institutional between 2019 and 2021 were included. All surgeries were performed by three fellowship trained orthopedic surgeons. Patients were considered to have a ramp lesion if one was identified arthroscopically at the time of ACL reconstruction. Basic demographic data, preoperative imaging, and other arthroscopic findings at the time of ACL reconstruction were reviewed. Results: 247 consecutive patients who underwent ACL reconstruction were reviewed. Patients were excluded if they had had prior ACL injury, prior knee surgery, fibular hemimelia, or incomplete documentation. A total of 230 patients met inclusion criteria. Average age at time of injury was 15.7 years (range 4.0-18.2 years). A ramp lesion was identified in 12% of patients. Posteromedial tibial bone bruise on preoperative MRI and medial femoral chondromalacia at time of ACL reconstruction were associated with the presence of a ramp lesion, Figure 1A (OR = 2.6, 95% CI [1.15, 5.93]). A striation pattern of medial femoral chondromalacia was highly specific for the presence of a ramp lesion, Figure 1B (OR = 424.3, 95% CI [50.99, 3531.3]). Sensitivity and specificity for detecting a ramp lesion was 68% and 76% with preoperative MRI and 68% and 99.5% with medial condyle striations, respectively. Conclusions: The prevalence of a ramp lesion in our cohort was 12%, mirroring historical reports in adult patients. Posteromedial bone bruising and medial femoral chondromalacia, especially in a striation pattern, should increase suspicion for the presence of a ramp lesion in patients undergoing ACL reconstruction.

Morphological study of the arterial supply to the menisci in pigs with special reference to creating meniscus injury model.

Some reports have used pigs to establish models of meniscus injury. However, accurate information on the origin, course, and access of the arteries supplying the menisci remains unclear. This information is important to avoid damaging vital arteries when creating the meniscus injury model. In this study, fetal and adult pigs were employed to investigate the arterial supply of the menisci in pigs using gross anatomical and histological methods. Macro-anatomically, the anterior horn, body, and posterior horn of the medial meniscus were found to be supplied by the medial superior genicular artery, medial inferior genicular artery, and posterior middle genicular artery. The anterior and posterior horns of the lateral meniscus were supplied by the cranial tibial recurrent artery and the middle genicular artery, respectively. Anastomosis was observed in some cases, but appeared to be infrequent and too thin to expect the anastomotic branches to provide adequate blood flow. The histological examination showed that the arteries entered the meniscus along the tie-fiber. The access process of the artery was the same irrespective of whether it was in fetal or mature pigs, the medial or lateral meniscus, or the anterior horn or body or posterior horn. The medial inferior genicular artery ran along the medial meniscus in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the clinical longitudinal incision should take into account the characteristics of the vessel course in order to protect the blood vessels from damage. Based on the results of this study, the protocol for creating a pig meniscus injury model should be reconsidered.

Diagnosis by Manual Maneuver of Medial Meniscus Ramp Lesions

The intra-articular injury most often associated with a chronic anterior cruciate ligament tear involves the posterior horn of the medial meniscus. A specific type of medial meniscal injury, called a ramp lesion, has received greater attention for identification and treatment because of its considerable incidence and diagnostic difficulty. Based on their location, these lesions may be arthroscopically “hidden” during traditional anterior visualization. The purpose of the present Technical Note is to describe the Recife maneuver. This maneuver diagnoses injuries to the posterior horn of the medial meniscus using additional arthroscopic management through a standard portal. The Recife maneuver is performed with the patient in the supine position. A 30° arthroscope is inserted through the anterolateral portal, and the posteromedial compartment is accessed according to the transnotch view (modified Gillquist view). In the proposed maneuver, with the knee in 30° of flexion, a valgus stress with internal rotation is performed, followed by palpation of the popliteal region and digital pressure on the joint interline. This maneuver allows a greater visualization of the posterior compartment, allowing the diagnostic evaluation of the integrity between the meniscus and the capsule, in a safer way, being able to identify ramp tears without the need to create a posteromedial portal. We recommend that the addition of the diagnostic visualization step of the posteromedial compartment as described by the Recife maneuver be performed to assess the meniscal status in routine anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Meniscal Ramp Lesions in Adolescent Patients Undergoing Primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Significance of Imaging and Arthroscopic Findings

Background: Meniscal ramp lesions are associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries and may affect knee stability when left untreated. The diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify this meniscocapsular injury of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus remains poor, and the arthroscopic findings require vigilance. Purpose: To determine the concordance of arthroscopic and MRI findings to better identify the presence of a ramp lesion in children and adolescent patients undergoing primary ACL reconstruction. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Patients aged <19 years who underwent primary ACL reconstruction at a single institution between 2020 and 2021 were included. Two cohorts were developed by the presence of a ramp lesion arthroscopically. Basic patient descriptive data, preoperative imaging (radiologist assessment and independent reviewer assessment), and concomitant arthroscopic findings at the time of ACL reconstruction were recorded. Results: An overall 201 adolescents met criteria with a mean age of 15.7 years (range, 6.9-18.2) at the time of injury. A ramp lesion was identified in 14% of patients (28 children). No differences were detected between cohorts with regard to age, sex, body mass index, weeks from injury to MRI, or weeks from injury to surgery (P > .15). The primary predictor of an intraoperative ramp lesion was the presence of medial femoral condylar striations, with an adjusted odds ratio of 722.2 (95% CI, 59.5-8768.2; P < .001); the presence of a ramp lesion on MRI had an adjusted odds ratio of 11.1 (95% CI, 2.2-54.8; P = .003). Patients with neither a ramp lesion on MRI nor medial femoral condylar striations had a 2% rate (2/131) of ramp lesion; those with either of the significant risk factors had a 24% rate (14/54). All patients with both risk factors (100%; n = 12) had a ramp lesion noted on intraoperative examination. Conclusion: The concordance of medial femoral condylar chondromalacia, particularly striations, noted during arthroscopy and posteromedial tibial marrow edema on MRI with or without direct evidence of posterior meniscocapsular pathology should increase suspicion for the presence of a ramp lesion in adolescents undergoing ACL reconstruction.

Hidden Meniscus Problems: Ramp Lesion and Posterior Meniscus Medial Root Tear

Ramp lesion (RL) is a peripheral tear affecting the posterior horn of the medial meniscus in the setting of ACL tears. Posterior meniscus medial root tear (PMMRT) is defined as an avulsion of the attachment, or a complete radial tear within 1 cm of the posterior tibial attachments of the meniscus. Both are not uncommonly found. The prevalence of RL existing in conjunction with ACL tears ranges from 9 to 42%. On the other hand, PMMRT contributes up to 10 to 21% of all meniscus tears. Both RL and PMMRT have significant consequences. RT increases anterior tibia translation and internal rotation after ACL reconstruction which may increase graft failure. PMMRT may accelerate the progress of medial knee osteoarthritis. Unfortunately, both conditions are frequently overlooked from physical examination, MRI reading, and arthroscopy procedures, due to the low sensitivity, unfamiliarity, and hidden location of the lesions. Posteromedial tibia edema finding on MRI images in a complete ACL tear in young patients increases the risks of RL. Ghost sign and medial femorotibial edema found on MRI may indicate PMMRT. RL and PMMRT may not be identifiable from the standard arthroscopic view. The trochlear view may be needed for RL and MCL trephination is almost always needed for PMMRT. The stability of both lesions should be assessed by meniscus probing, and repair is the gold standard for unstable lesions. RL can be repaired with sutures from the anterior or posterior. PMMRT is usually repaired using the transtibial pull-out suture technique.

FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF A KNEE JOINT DURING JUMP

Athletes experience high levels of stress during sports activities. One of the most common activities is jumping. This is a very complex activity, which can lead to injuries and long recovery periods. In this research, professional athletes performed jumps in order to obtain ground force values from a force plate. A combination of ground force measurement and inverse dynamics was used to obtain knee joint force values during jumping. The obtained values were then used for the finite element analysis of a knee joint model in order to calculate stress values in the knee joint, with focus on femoral cartilage and menisci. The highest stress values were obtained at the anterior and posterior horn of the medial meniscus, with the highest stress value of 4.894 MPa. Femoral cartilage had lower value, with the maximum stress of 0.391 MPa.

The Clinical Application of Machine Learning Models for Risk Analysis of Ramp Lesions in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries

Background: Peripheral tears of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus, known as “ramp lesions,” are commonly found in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)–deficient knees but are frequently missed on routine evaluation. Purpose: To predict the presence of ramp lesions in ACL-deficient knees using machine learning methods with associated risk factors. Study Design: Cohort study (Diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: This study included 362 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction between June 2010 and March 2019. The exclusion criteria were combined fractures and multiple ligament injuries, except for medial collateral ligament injuries. Patients were grouped according to the presence of ramp lesions on arthroscopic surgery. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze risk factors including age, sex, body mass index, time from injury to surgery (≥3 or <3 months), mechanism of injury (contact or noncontact), side-to-side laxity, pivot-shift grade, medial and lateral tibial/meniscal slope, location of bone contusion, mechanical axis angle, and lateral femoral condyle (LFC) ratio. The receiver operating characteristic curve and area under the curve were also evaluated. Results: Ramp lesions were identified in 112 patients (30.9%). The risk for ramp lesions increased with steeper medial tibial and meniscal slopes, higher knee laxity, and an increased LFC ratio. Comparing the final performance of all models, the random forest model yielded the best performance (area under the curve: 0.944), although there were no significant differences among the models (P > .05). The cut-off values for the presence of ramp lesions on receiver operating characteristic analysis were as follows: medial tibial slope >5.5° (P < .001), medial meniscal slope >5.0° (P < .001), and LFC ratio >71.3% (P = .033). Conclusion: Steep medial tibial and meniscal slopes, an increased LFC ratio, and higher knee rotatory laxity were observed risk factors for ramp lesions in patients with an ACL injury. The prediction model of this study could be used as a supplementary diagnostic tool for ramp lesions in ACL-injured knees. In general, care should be taken in patients with ramp lesions and its risk factors during ACL reconstruction.

Epidemiology of Pediatric Meniscectomy: A Nationwide Study in Italy from 2001 to 2016.

In the pediatric population, meniscectomy should be exceptional. This study aimed to estimate the incidence and trends of hospitalization of pediatric meniscectomy in Italy. Data were collected from the National Hospital Discharge Reports (SDO) reported at the Italian Ministry of Health. This study referred to the pediatric population (0-14 years of age) from 2001 to 2016. A total of 5188 pediatric meniscectomies were performed. The global incidence was 3.9 for every 100,000 Italian residents under 14 years of age. The most frequent age class was 10-14 years. The men/women ratio was 1.1. The average number of days of hospitalization was 1.8 ± 1.4. Men showed more days of hospitalization than women. The 5-9 age group presented the highest length of hospitalization (2.3 ± 1.5 days). The main primary codified diagnoses were as follows: derangement of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus, other derangement of the lateral meniscus, old bucket handle tear of the medial meniscus, and derangement of the lateral meniscus. Primary codified procedures were the excision of semilunar cartilage of the knee and knee arthroscopy. The burden of pediatric meniscectomy is relevant in Italy. The information required to develop global standards for managing pediatric meniscal lesions may be provided by conducting further epidemiological studies.

Posteromedial Compartment Arthroscopy of the Knee and Resection of Osteophytes: An Anatomic Perspective on Posteromedial Knee Impingement

Posteromedial knee pain is a common clinical problem. It is often accompanied by degenerative changes or tears in the posterior horn of the medial meniscus and/or pain during deep flexion of the knee. In more advanced cases, it is accompanied by the osteophytic formation of a cam lesion that develops gradually in the posterior of the medial condyle of the femur and, with it (or less frequently without it), an osteophytic lesion at the posterior of the tibia (i.e. pincer lesion) occurs. It is believed that resection of the cam lesion may delay the progression of knee osteoarthritis, similarly to repairing the posterior horn of the medial meniscus. In this technical note, we describe a 2-portal technique for resection of cam lesions by posteromedial knee arthroscopy using anatomic landmarks. Using both portals provides better visualization and a better approach.

All-Inside Technique for Ramp Lesion Repair: Arthroscopic Suture With Knee Scorpion Suture Passer

Ramp lesions are peripheral tears of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus that involve the meniscocapsular attachments. They are commonly associated with anterior cruciate ligament injury and frequently not diagnosed. There are several suture techniques for ramp lesions. However, most have a long learning curve to be performed adequately and to minimize the risks of neurovascular lesions, cartilage injury, as well as damage to the meniscotibial ligament and meniscus. Thus, as an alternative to minimize costs and provide adequate ramp lesion repair, we present a simple, easy-to-reproduce technique using a Scorpion Suture Passer and all-inside sutures, without the need to leave devices inside the knee, causing no additional lesions and making it less costly than conventional methods. Our technique, which consists of a biomechanically strong suture, with no internal devices, is cheaper, allows several sutures with the same thread and produces satisfactory clinical results.

Utility of axial magnetic resonance images for detecting meniscal ramp lesions associated with anterior cruciate ligament injuries

BackgroundRamp lesions (RLs), associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, should be repaired to ensure postoperative knee stability. However, it is difficult to identify all RLs before surgery using conventional sagittal magnetic resonance (MR) images and arthroscopy from the anterior, medial, and lateral portals that are usually used during ACL reconstruction. We report the effectiveness of axial images for detecting RL. MethodsFrom January 2018, a total of 316 knees underwent primary ACL reconstruction with preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination at our hospital. Among these, 149 knees, which required meniscal suturing at the same time, were retrospectively investigated. This study evaluated 22 knees with confirmed RLs around the posterior horn of the medial meniscus. The effectiveness of the preoperative sagittal and axial MR images for detecting RL was assessed. With the MR image, a three-dimensional double-echo steady-state image with a flip angle of 25° was reconstructed into the sagittal and axial planes, respectively. Reconstructed images with 3-mm slices for sagittal slices and 1-mm slices for axial sections were used. The diagnosis was made based on the presence of RL (RL was present, RL may be present, and RL was not present) by four knee surgeons with more than 10 years of experience. ResultsApproximately 53% of knee cases were diagnosed with RLs using sagittal images. Meanwhile, a diagnosis was achieved using axial images in 89% of cases. ConclusionAxial MRI may be superior in detecting RLs.

Evaluation of Knee Joint Injuries with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Correlation with Arthroscopy

One of the most frequent issues humans have had to deal with from the beginning of time is a knee injury. Knee injuries caused by a variety of diseases, from acute to degenerative, can affect the articular cartilage. The trauma, infection, or inflammation caused this injury. In these circumstances, a full clinical examination is not possible since the patients are in too much pain to cooperate. Then non-invasive multiplanar imaging and MRI come into play. The objective of the current study was to assess knee joint injuries using MRI and correlate those findings with arthroscopy. A total number of 225 participants were involved in this study, among them, 175 had issues with a knee injury. The patients referred with a history of knee injury were imaged with a 1.5 Tesla MRI machine. Most patients were between the ages of 35-40 years. The most frequent injuries found in the study were bone contusions, joint effusions, anterior cruciate ligament tears, and tears of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus. The accuracy percentage of ACL, PCL, LCL and MCL were 93, 100, 94.02 and 91.34%, respectively. Due to its great soft tissue contrast resolution and multiplanar imaging capabilities, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a superior non-invasive investigative method for knee injuries. This allows for the most thorough evaluation of a variety of soft tissue knee joint problems. Keywords: Knee joint injury; Magnetic resonance imaging; Arthroscopy;

Long-term Natural History of Unrepaired Stable Ramp Lesions: A Retrospective Analysis of 28 Patients With a Minimum Follow-up of 20 Years

Background: There is a lack of consensus about whether stable ramp lesions associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries need to be repaired. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to evaluate how many stable ramp lesions left in situ during ACL reconstruction (ACLR) have subsequently failed after >20 years of follow-up. We hypothesized that ACL-reconstructed knees with ramp lesions left in situ without repair have a high risk of meniscal failure over the long term. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: All patients who underwent arthroscopic ACLR by a single experienced surgeon between January 1998 and December 2000 were evaluated retrospectively. Included were all cases of longitudinal tears in the meniscocapsular junction or the red zone of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus that were left in situ and identified through the anterior portals. Successful anterior probing confirmed a meniscal tear of the posterior segment. A lesion was considered stable if it was ≤2 cm and did not extend beyond the lower pole of the femoral condyle. The following data were collected preoperatively and at the last follow-up: demographics, time to surgery, side-to-side laxity, pivot shift, Lysholm score, subjective International Knee Documentation Committee score, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Tegner activity scale, and meniscal failure rate. We defined 2 groups based on our findings: medial meniscal failure versus no medial meniscal failure. Results: A total of 716 knees underwent primary ACLR during this period. The 39 (5.4%) stable unrepaired ramp lesions identified were included in the case series. Mean ± standard deviation follow-up was 262.1 ± 10.5 months. Eleven patients (28%) were lost to follow-up. Of the remaining patients, 8 (28.6%) had a medial meniscal failure, of which 6 (21.4%) were bucket-handle tears. The average time elapsed before complications was 87.8 ± 52 months (range, 6-156 months). The medial meniscal survival rate was 93% at 5 years, 75% at 10 years, and 71% at 15 and 20 years. The failure event mainly happened between 96 and 120 months (8 and 10 years) after ACLR. No risk factors for failure were found, but some trends appeared, such as older age, higher body mass index, and preoperative rotational instability. All postoperative scores were significantly improved at the last follow-up (P < .0001); 16 patients (57%) returned to their sport of choice. Conclusion: With nearly one-third of patients developing meniscal complications, including a large share of bucket-handle tears and mostly occurring 8 years after the ACLR, it may not be wise to leave stable ramp lesions unrepaired.

Ramp Lesions in Chronic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries.

Background: Meniscus ramp lesions associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are being increasingly reported in the literature. This study was carried out to know the incidence of ramp lesions in ACL injured patients and to study the characteristics of these patients in our population.Methods: Seventy-five patients who underwent ACL reconstruction from January 2021 to December 2021 were prospectively studied. Patients with multi-ligament injuries or a history of previous knee surgery were excluded. All patients were examined clinically and all underwent MRI examinations. The findings of arthroscopy during ACL reconstruction were recorded and analyzed.Result: Seventeen patients had ramp lesions with an incidence of 22.67%. Eight were isolated ramp lesions, and nine had other meniscus injuries. Ramp lesions were identified with 41.18% sensitivity using preoperative MRI. Thirteen out of 17 patients with ramp lesions had increased mobility of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus on anterior probing. The duration from injury to surgery was significantly longer in patients with ramp lesions as compared to patients without ramp lesions.Conclusion: A ramp lesion is not an uncommon lesion in ACL injuries and can occur either as an isolated meniscus lesion or in association with other meniscus lesions.Ramp lesions can occur in road traffic accidents as well and are not just sports-related injuries. Ramp lesions are not visible through routine anterior portal diagnostic arthroscopy and their repair adds to the stability of the knee. The absence of ramp lesions on MRI does not rule out their presence; hence, one should always look for ramp lesions in the posteromedial compartment of the knee in all cases undergoing ACL reconstruction.