A characteristic MRI finding to diagnose a partial tear of the medial meniscus posterior root: an ocarina sign

Abstract Background Diagnosing partial tears of the medial meniscus (MM) posterior root is difficult. The aim of this study was to evaluate diagnostic values involved in conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of MM posterior root tears (MMPRTs) and find other MRI-based findings in patients with partial MMPRTs. Methods Eighteen patients who had arthroscopically confirmed partial MMPRTs were included. As a control, 18 patients who underwent partial meniscectomy for other types of MM tears were evaluated. Isolated partial MMPRTs were classified into the following three types: type A, accurate partial stable tear (cleavage < 1/2 of root width); type B, bridged unstable root tear (cleavage ≥ 1/2 of root width); type C, complex horn tear expanded to the root. Conventional MRI-based findings of MMPRTs were evaluated between two groups (n = 23). Posterior root irregularity, bone marrow spot, and ocarina-like appearance showing several condensed circles in triangular meniscal horn (ocarina sign) were also evaluated. Results Posterior root irregularity and bone marrow spot were frequently observed in the partial MMPRTs (47.8%), compared with the other MM tears (P = 0.007 and 0.023, respectively). The ocarina sign was detected in 69.6% of patients with partial MMPRTs. A significant difference between two groups was observed in a positive ratio of ocarina sign (P < 0.001). Types A, B, and C of the partial tear/damage were observed in three, eight, and seven patients, respectively. The ocarina sign was the most common MRI finding in each type of partial MMPRT. Conclusions This study demonstrated that a characteristic MRI finding, “ocarina sign,” was frequently observed in patients with partial tear/damage of the MM posterior root. The ocarina sign was the most common MRI finding in several types of partial MMPRTs. Our results suggest that the ocarina sign may be useful to diagnose unnoticed partial MMPRTs. Level of evidence: IV, retrospective comparative study.

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Medial Meniscus Scaffold Implantation in Combination with Concentrated Bone Marrow Aspirate Injection: Minimum 3-Year Follow-up

The Journal of Knee Surgery ◽

10.1055/s-0040-1701452 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 33 (08) ◽

pp. 838-846 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Mustafa Akkaya ◽

Mehmet Emin Şimşek ◽

Safa Gürsoy ◽

Nurdan Çay ◽

Murat Bozkurt

Keyword(s):

Bone Marrow ◽

Medial Meniscus ◽

Bone Marrow Aspirate ◽

Preoperative Period ◽

Short Term ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Pain Scores ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Concentrated Bone Marrow

AbstractThe objective of this study is to show the short-term clinical and radiological outcomes of concentrated bone marrow aspirate (CBMA) injection administered in combination with medial meniscus scaffold implantation. Twenty-three patients who received intra-articular CBMA injection in combination with polyurethane-based medial meniscus scaffold implantation were evaluated within the scope of this study. The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) questionnaire and the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) were used to evaluate the results, and the visual analog scale was used to assess the pain scores. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were obtained in the preoperative period and at postoperative months 1, 12, 24, and 36 to assess the scaffold position as well as chondral degeneration/damage in a comparative manner. MRI assessment was performed by using the modified Outerbridge scale for cartilage and the Genovese scoring system for the meniscal implant. Twenty-three patients who were included in the study were evaluated for a mean follow-up period of 38.3 months. Patients exhibited statistically significant improvement according to all scoring data from the preoperative period until the follow-up period. The mean postoperative extrusion at year 3 was 2.39 mm (distribution 2.30–2.56 mm). There was no significant difference in the distribution of the degree of chondral damage between the preoperative and 3-year follow-up periods. Four patients did not show any improvement nor had lower scores according to the assessment. Medial meniscus scaffold implantation combined with intra-articular CBMA injection resulted in a significant improvement in all functions and pain scores as well as a statistically significant clinical improvement in IKDC and KOOS values in the short-term follow-up. The Level of evidence for this study is IV.

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Operational experience of the Dutch helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic: jeopardy on the prehospital care system?

European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery ◽

10.1007/s00068-020-01569-w ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Quinten G. H. Rikken ◽

Sarah Mikdad ◽

Mathijs T. Carvalho Mota ◽

Marcel A. De Leeuw ◽

Patrick Schober ◽

...

Keyword(s):

The Netherlands ◽

Initial Phase ◽

Prehospital Care ◽

Operational Experience ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Historical Cohort ◽

Significant Difference ◽

One Year ◽

Retrospective Comparative Study ◽

Global And Local

Abstract Purpose The SARS-CoV-2 virus has disrupted global and local medical supply chains. To combat the spread of the virus and prevent an uncontrolled outbreak with limited resources, national lockdown protocols have taken effect in the Netherlands since March 13th, 2020. The aim of this study was to describe the incidence, type and characteristics of HEMS and HEMS-ambulance ‘Lifeliner 1’ dispatches during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the same period one year prior. Methods A retrospective review of all HEMS and HEMS-ambulance ‘Lifeliner 1’ dispatches was performed from the start of Dutch nationwide lockdown orders from March 13th until May 13th, 2020 and the corresponding period one year prior. Dispatch-, operational-, patient-, injury-, and on-site treatment characteristics were extracted for analysis. In addition, the rate of COVID-19 positively tested HEMS personnel and the time physicians were unable to take call was described. Results During the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, the HEMS and HEMS-ambulance was requested in 528 cases. One year prior, a total of 620 requests were received. The HEMS (helicopter and ambulance) was cancelled after deployment in 56.4% of the COVID-19 cohort and 50.7% of the historical cohort (P = 0.05). Incident location type did not differ between the two cohorts, specifically, there was no significant difference in the number of injuries that occurred at home in pandemic versus non-pandemic circumstances. Besides a decrease in the number of falls, the distribution of mechanisms of injury remained similar during the COVID-19 study period. There was no difference in self-inflicted injuries observed. Prehospital interventions remained similar during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to one year prior. Specifically, prehospital intubation did not differ between the two cohorts. The rate of COVID-19 positively tested HEMS personnel was 23.1%. Physicians who tested positive were unable to take call for a mean of 25 days (range 8–53). Conclusion A decrease in the number of deployments and increase in the number of cancelled missions was observed during the COVID-19 study period. No major differences in operational- and injury characteristics were found for HEMS and HEMS-ambulance dispatches between the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands and the same period one year prior. These findings highlight the importance of continued operability of the HEMS, even during pandemic circumstances. Level of evidence III, retrospective comparative study.

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Treatment of Severe Ulnar Instability of the MCP Joint Improves Function in LRTI Arthroplasty for Osteoarthritis of the Thumb CMC Joint

Journal of Wrist Surgery ◽

10.1055/s-0039-1697650 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 09 (02) ◽

pp. 105-115

Author(s):

Johanna Wirth ◽

Eva-Maria Baur

Keyword(s):

Patient Satisfaction ◽

Strength Function ◽

Ulnar Collateral Ligament ◽

Metacarpophalangeal Joint ◽

Metacarpal Bone ◽

Control Group ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Pinch Grip ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Retrospective Comparative Study

Abstract Background Comorbidity in the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPj) of the thumb, i.e., hyperextension or ulnar collateral instability, could affect the outcome of arthroplasty in the thumb carpometacarpal joint (CMCj). Objective In a retrospective study, we evaluated the effect of arthrodesis of the MCPj for thumbs with unstable MCPj and simultaneous ligament reconstruction tendon interposition (LRTI) arthroplasty for the CMCj in terms of strength, function, and patient satisfaction. Patients and Methods A total of 69 thumbs treated with a LRTI arthroplasty of the CMCj were included. In 14 of those cases, an arthrodesis of the MCPj was performed as well. In 12 thumbs, both procedures were done simultaneously; in one case MCPj arthrodesis followed LRTI arthroplasty, whereas one patient already had MCPj arthrodesis at time of LRTI arthroplasty. Those 14 thumbs were compared with the control group of 55 thumbs who had only undergone LRTI. At a mean follow-up of 4 to 5 years (mean 54 [10–124] months) postoperative assessments included range of motion (ROM) of the CMC, MCP, and interphalangeal (IP) joint of the thumb, as well as any instability of the MCPj. Pinch and grip strength were examined, also the visual analogue scale (VAS), patient satisfaction, QuickDASH, PRWE-Thumb, and the Kapandji's Opposition Score. Radiologically, proximalization of the first metacarpal bone was measured. Student's t-test was used to determine significance, p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results Additional arthrodesis of the MCPj provided no significant difference of function in thumbs that only had a hyperextension-instability. However, in thumbs with marked ulnar instability, stronger pinch-grip was obtained with arthrodesis, compared with only LRTI. Conclusion In patients with advanced painful thumb CMCj osteoarthritis, we recommend (simultaneous) arthrodesis of the MCPj, to allow a stable thumb grip if there is additional marked ulnar collateral ligament instability. Level of Evidence This is a Level III, retrospective comparative study.

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Comparison of Chitosan-Based Liquid Scaffold and Hyaluronic Acid–Based Soft Scaffold for Treatment of Talus Osteochondral Lesions

Foot & Ankle International ◽

10.1177/1071100720937662 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (10) ◽

pp. 1240-1248

Author(s):

Ramazan Akmeşe ◽

Mehmet Batu Ertan ◽

Hakan Kocaoğlu

Keyword(s):

Magnetic Resonance ◽

Osteochondral Lesions ◽

Resonance Imaging ◽

Analog Scale ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Time Period ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Vas Scores ◽

American Orthopaedic ◽

Retrospective Comparative Study

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiologic results of 2 different scaffolds with hyaluronan or chitosan-based structure used in the treatment of talus osteochondral lesions. Methods: Eighty-one patients who underwent chondral lesion repair with hyaluronan (n = 42) or chitosan-based (n = 39) scaffold were included. American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) and visual analog scale (VAS) scores were evaluated within and between groups preoperatively and at the 3rd, 12th, and 24th month postoperatively. In all patients, magnetic resonance imaging was performed between the 12 and 18th month postoperatively and compared with magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue (MOCART) scoring. Results: Within-group evaluations revealed significant improvements in AOFAS and VAS scores at postoperative 3 and 12 months. The postoperative 24th-month results of AOFAS scores in any group did not differ significantly from the 12th-month results. There was no significant difference between the groups in comparison of AOFAS, VAS, and MOCART scores at any time period. Conclusion: Both scaffolds were found to be effective in cartilage healing but had no clinical or radiologic superiority to each other. This is the first study to compare the use of different cell-free scaffold types in osteochondral defects of the talus. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

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Distal Metatarsal Segmental Shortening for the Treatment of Chronic Metatarsophalangeal Dislocation of Lesser Toes

Foot & Ankle International ◽

10.1177/1071100720961086 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 107110072096108

Author(s):

Tzu-Cheng Yang ◽

Yun-Hsuan Tzeng ◽

Chien-Shun Wang ◽

Ming-Chau Chang ◽

Chao-Ching Chiang

Keyword(s):

Demographic Data ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Radiographic Measurements ◽

Group I ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Scale Scores ◽

Group Ii ◽

American Orthopaedic ◽

Retrospective Comparative Study ◽

Mtp Joints

Background: This retrospective study aimed to describe the techniques and results of distal metatarsal segmental shortening (DMSS) for the treatment of chronic irreducible metatarsophalangeal (MTP) dislocation of lesser toes. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent DMSS for chronic dislocation of MTP joints of lesser toes between January 2010 and December 2017 with follow-up of at least 24 months. Demographic data, radiographic measurements, functional outcomes, and complications were analyzed. Furthermore, the results of patients with short segment of shortening (group I, <10 mm) were compared to those with long segment of shortening (group II, ≥10 mm). A total of 43 MTP joints of 30 patients with an average age of 70.4 years were included. Results: Union was observed in 42 metatarsals (97.7%). Mean American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society scale scores improved significantly from 42.2 (range, 15-65) preoperatively to 79.1 (range, 52-90) ( P < .001). Mean visual analog scale pain score improved significantly from 5.0 (range, 1-9) preoperatively to 1.8 (range, 0-6) ( P < .001). Complications included 1 nonunion, 1 osteonecrosis, 3 metatarsal angulation, 4 recurrent instability, 4 symptomatic osteoarthritis, 3 transfer metatarsalgia, and 1 floating toe. Group I included 23 MTP joints and group II included 20 MTP joints. There was no significant difference in clinical outcomes and complications between the 2 groups. Conclusion: DMSS was a reliable procedure for the treatment of chronic irreducible dislocated MTP joint of lesser toes. It provided satisfactory surgical outcomes and a low rate of postoperative complications, regardless of length of metatarsal shortening. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

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Second-look arthroscopic findings after medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy combined with all-inside repair of medial meniscus posterior root tears

Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery ◽

10.1177/2309499019888836 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 28 (1) ◽

pp. 230949901988883 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Lizhong Jing ◽

Kun Liu ◽

Xiaole Wang ◽

Xiaotan Wang ◽

Zhen Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Medial Meniscus ◽

Lysholm Score ◽

Tibial Osteotomy ◽

Posterior Root ◽

Second Look ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy ◽

Group A ◽

Group B ◽

Healing Group

Purpose: To examine the results of medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO) combined with all-inside repair focusing on medial meniscus posterior root tears (MMPRT) by second-look arthroscopy and determine the clinical relevance of the findings. Methods: From June 2015 to June 2017, 27 consecutive patients underwent MOWHTO and meniscal treatment for MMPRT using all-inside repair. All were available for second-look arthroscopy evaluation at the time of plate removal. Cartilage regeneration in the medial condyles and healing status of the MMPRT were assessed at the time of second-look arthroscopy. Clinical outcomes were evaluated by the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) scores and the Lysholm score scale. The potential factors affecting the healing of MMPRT, including age, body mass index (BMI), weight-bearing line rate (WBLR) and femorotibial angle (FTA) were discussed. Results: There were 11 (41%) cases with complete healing (group A) and 16 (59%) cases with lax healing (group B). A complete cartilage coverage of chondral lesions was observed at second-look arthroscopy. Improvements of HSS in both groups were 41.25 ± 6.18 and 38.82 ± 5.43, while improvements in Lysholm score seen in both groups were 30.40 ± 4.84 and 32.65 ± 4.11. There was no significant difference in the postoperative clinical results between the two groups. In group A, the age (months), BMI, WBLR, and FTA are 54.61 ± 2.53, 23.58 ± 2.39, 66.10 ± 2.86% and 169.00 ± 2.62°, respectively, while in group B, they are 55.16 ± 4.92, 29.58 ± 3.91, 57.51 ± 5.49% and 175.21 ± 2.87°, respectively. A significant difference has been identified between two groups except for age. Conclusion: As seen in this retrospective study, a higher healing rate of MMPRT using all-inside repair and regeneration of degenerated articular cartilage in the medial condyles after MOWHTO can be expected. Healing of the MMPRT was not related to a better clinical outcome. Moreover, it can be inferred that BMI, WBLR and FTA may affect the healing status of MMPRT.

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Improvement of clinical and radiological outcomes of root repair patients with advanced articular cartilage degeneration and osteoarthritis

Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics ◽

10.1186/s40634-021-00405-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Nathan D. M. Hopkins ◽

Steven Lawrie

Keyword(s):

Bone Marrow ◽

Articular Cartilage ◽

Medial Meniscus ◽

Cartilage Degeneration ◽

Bone Marrow Oedema ◽

Posterior Root ◽

Clinical Scores ◽

Ikdc Score ◽

Articular Cartilage Degeneration

Abstract Purpose The main purpose of this study was to investigate clinical and radiological outcomes of medial meniscus posterior root tear (MMPRT) repair in knees with advanced articular cartilage degeneration and osteoarthritis compared to those with minimal degenerative change. Methods Thirty-three knees underwent MMPRT repair using an arthroscopic pullout repair tibial tunnel technique. Clinical scores including Lysholm Score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Score and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome (KOOS) Score were collected preoperatively and sequentially at 6 months, 12 months and mean final follow-up of 39.4 months. Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) osteoarthritis grade, Outerbridge classification of cartilage degeneration and the presence of bone marrow oedema on MRI were also evaluated. Results All clinical scores improved at final follow-up for knees with K-L grade ≥ 2 osteoarthritis (p < 0.001), with no significant difference compared to K-L 0/1. Patients with Outerbridge class 3/4 cartilage degeneration also reported improvements in clinical scores, albeit lower than those with class 2 degeneration (p < 0.05). During recovery, the majority of patients reported clinical improvements by 6 months, and six patients further improved by at least 15 points in IKDC score between 6 and 12 months. Osteoarthritis progressed in 10 of 31 knees (32%), with an overall mean pre-operative K-L grade of 1.6 ± 0.9 compared to 2.0 ± 0.9 at final follow-up (n.s.). No knees progressed to K-L 4 or underwent re-operation. Pre-operative bone marrow oedema was present in 17 knees (52%), all of which had signal localised to the medial tibia or femur. Oedema had resolved in all but 5 knees post-operatively (p < 0.01). Conclusion Arthroscopic repair of medial meniscus posterior root tears is associated with improved outcomes in knees with advanced cartilage degeneration and osteoarthritis. Meaningful improvements in clinical outcomes can be achieved beyond 6 months, thus success of the operation is best determined at the 12-month mark. Oedema signal significantly improved post-operatively, however a relatively high proportion of knees had K-L progression. Level of evidence IV – Case Series.

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ANTEGRADE X RETROGRADE NAILING IN FEMORAL FRACTURES: A STUDY ON CONSOLIDATION AND INFECTION

Acta Ortopédica Brasileira ◽

10.1590/1413-785220192706218655 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 27 (6) ◽

pp. 313-316

Author(s):

Jorge Rafael Durigan ◽

Ana Carolina da Silva ◽

Pedro Takata ◽

Caio Zamboni ◽

Claudio Santili ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Intramedullary Nailing ◽

Bone Healing ◽

Femoral Fractures ◽

Healing Time ◽

Retrograde Nailing ◽

University Hospitals ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Femur Fractures ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Retrospective Comparative Study

ABSTRACT Objective: Osteosynthesis with intramedullary nailing is considered the method of choice to treat diaphyseal femur fractures in adults. The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the bone healing time and incidence of infection in patients with diaphyseal femur fractures treated surgically with retrograde and antegrade intramedullary nailing. Methods: The medical records of 123 patients from two university hospitals dated 2011-2013 were evaluated, with 126 diaphyseal femur fractures having been found. The most frequent treatment was antegrade intramedullary nailing (51%), of which 38% involved reaming (n=25). Results: We found evidence of 92% healed fractures at 12 months postoperatively. Complications included chronic osteomyelitis in one patient and femoral neck fracture in another patient, both after reamed antegrade nailing. Pyoarthritis of the knee associated with osteomyelitis affected two patients after reamed retrograde nailing and one patient after unreamed retrograde nailing. Conclusion: We did not observe a significant difference in bone healing rates with the use of reamed or unreamed antegrade or retrograde nailing. Complications included the presence of infection with an incidence similar to that reported in the literature, and of particular significance, unrelated to the type of approach. Level of evidence III, Retrospective comparative study.

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The Presence and Degree of Bone Marrow Edema Influence Midterm Clinical Outcomes After Microfracture for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus

The American Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/0363546518782701 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 46 (10) ◽

pp. 2503-2508 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Yoshiharu Shimozono ◽

Eoghan T. Hurley ◽

Youichi Yasui ◽

Timothy W. Deyer ◽

John G. Kennedy

Keyword(s):

Bone Marrow ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Bone Marrow Edema ◽

Prognostic Indicator ◽

Osteochondral Lesions ◽

Short Term ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Marrow Edema

Background: Subchondral bone marrow edema (BME) has been associated with articular cartilage loss, with the potential to be a negative prognostic indicator for clinical outcomes after microfracture. However, no single study has investigated the association between BME and clinical outcomes after microfracture for osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) at midterm follow-up. Purpose: To clarify the association between postoperative subchondral BME and clinical outcomes in patients treated with microfracture for OLTs at both short-term and midterm follow-up using a grading system that classified the extent of BME of the talus. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Patients who underwent microfracture between 2008 and 2013 were assessed at 2- and 4-year postoperative follow-up. BME was evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging, and the presence of subchondral BME was determined with fat-suppressed T2-weighted sequences. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS). P < .05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: Forty-three (83%) of 52 eligible patients were included. No significant differences were found in the FAOS between the BME and no BME groups at 2-year follow-up (83.1 ± 6.5 vs 88.6 ± 8.0, respectively; P = .109), but there was a significant difference at 4-year follow-up (77.5 ± 11.1 vs 84.7 ± 8.4, respectively; P = .041). A significant difference was found among BME grades at 4-year follow-up (grade 0: 84.7 ± 7.4, grade 1: 80.1 ± 10.5, grade 2: 74.0 ± 10.3, and grade 3: 67.5 ± 7.1; P = .035). A post hoc analysis showed significant differences between grades 0 and 2, 0 and 3, and 1 and 3 ( P = .041, .037, and .048, respectively). In addition, at 4-year follow-up, a significant correlation was noted between the FAOS and BME grade ( r = −0.453, P = .003) but not at 2-year follow-up ( r = −0.212, P = .178). Seventy-four percent of patients still had subchondral BME at 4-year follow-up after microfracture for OLTs. Conclusion: Patients with subchondral BME at midterm follow-up after microfracture for OLTs had worse clinical outcomes than those without subchondral BME. In addition, the degree of subchondral BME at midterm follow-up was correlated with clinical outcomes. However, at short-term follow-up, there were no significant differences in clinical outcomes based on both the presence and degree of BME, and no correlation was found between clinical outcomes and the degree of BME. The current study suggests that BME at short-term follow-up is a normal physiological reaction. However, BME at midterm follow-up after microfracture for OLTs may be pathological and is associated with poorer clinical outcomes.

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Comparison of medial and lateral tibial tunnel in pullout repair of posterior root tear of medial meniscus: Radiologic, clinical, and arthroscopic outcomes

Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery ◽

10.1177/2309499020918759 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 28 (2) ◽

pp. 230949902091875

Author(s):

Sai-Won Kwon ◽

Jun Bum Kim ◽

Chang Hyun Kim ◽

Si John Hong ◽

Yong Cheol Hong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Medial Meniscus ◽

Tibial Tunnel ◽

Suture Technique ◽

Posterior Root ◽

Root Tear ◽

Posterior Root Tear ◽

Lateral Tunnel ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Tunnel Technique ◽

The Mean

Purpose: Medial meniscus posterior root tear (MMPRT) should be repaired to the correct position as possible to maintain hoop tension of the meniscus. In this study, we propose a comparison of the outcome between the medial tunnel and the lateral tunnel in the pullout suture technique using the tibial tunnel for anatomical repair of posterior root tear of medial meniscus. Methods: From April 2010, of patients who underwent pullout suture, 51 cases (24 medial tunnel group (MTG) and 27 lateral tunnel group (LTG)) were able to follow-up with second look arthroscopy. Original Coronal Ratio of Root Attachment (CRORA) was defined as the ratio of the distance from the medial edge of the tibial plateau to the root attach site divided by the entire tibial medial–lateral width on preoperative computed tomography. Error between postoperative CRORA and original CRORA was calculated. We compared this error, clinical outcome, and arthroscopic finding between MTG and LTG. Results: The mean error ratio of postoperative CRORA divided by original CRORA was 0.86 ± 0.11 in MTG, which was significantly ( p = 0.001) lower than that (1.02 ± 0.06) in LTG. The mean value of the root attach point in the MTG with a post/original CRORA value of 0.86 ± 0.11 means statistically significant medialization after the operation. There was no statistically significant difference in changes of International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholom score between MTG and LTG. The difference between the two groups of arthritis progression was not statistically significant. Conclusion: In patients with MMPRT, CRORA may provide a basis for coronal assessment of root repair position before and after surgery, and lateral tibial tunnel technique can help anatomical repair by reducing technical error due to guide pin slip medially compared to medial tibial tunnel technique.

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