Patellar cartilage increase following ACL reconstruction with and without meniscal pathology: a two-year prospective MRI morphological study

Background Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) together with concomitant meniscal injury are risk factors for the development of tibiofemoral (TF) osteoarthritis (OA), but the potential effect on the patellofemoral (PF) joint is unclear. The aim of this study was to: (i) investigate change in patellar cartilage morphology in individuals 2.5 to 4.5 years after ACLR with or without concomitant meniscal pathology and in healthy controls, and (ii) examine the association between baseline patellar cartilage defects and patellar cartilage volume change. Methods Thirty two isolated ACLR participants, 25 ACLR participants with combined meniscal pathology and nine healthy controls underwent knee magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with 2-year intervals (baseline = 2.5 years post-ACLR). Patellar cartilage volume and cartilage defects were assessed from MRI using validated methods. Results Both ACLR groups showed patellar cartilage volume increased over 2 years (p < 0.05), and isolated ACLR group had greater annual percentage cartilage volume increase compared with controls (mean difference 3.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0, 6.3%, p = 0.008) and combined ACLR group (mean difference 2.2, 95% CI 0.2, 4.2%, p = 0.028). Patellar cartilage defects regressed in the isolated ACLR group over 2 years (p = 0.02; Z = − 2.33; r = 0.3). Baseline patellar cartilage defect score was positively associated with annual percentage cartilage volume increase (Regression coefficient B = 0.014; 95% CI 0.001, 0.027; p = 0.03) in the pooled ACLR participants. Conclusions Hypertrophic response was evident in the patellar cartilage of ACLR participants with and without meniscal pathology. Surprisingly, the increase in patellar cartilage volume was more pronounced in those with isolated ACLR. Although cartilage defects stabilised in the majority of ACLR participants, the severity of patellar cartilage defects at baseline influenced the magnitude of the cartilage hypertrophic response over the subsequent ~ 2 years.

Anomalous insertion of anterior and posterior horns of medial meniscus. Case report

Background Anatomical variations of the attachment of medial meniscus are a common finding. However, anomalies of the posterior horn are extremely rare. Only two cases of posterior root anomaly have been described prior to the routine use of arthroscopy for evaluation and treatment of meniscal pathology. In this report, we present an anomaly of both the anterior and posterior roots of the medial meniscus that posed both a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma. Case presentation The patient is young male soccer player who is currently 16 years of age and began having the atraumatic onset of pain and symptoms that limited performance starting at age 14 and was referred for failure of response to nonoperative treatment. Diagnostic arthroscopy revealed the presence of an anteromedial meniscofemoral ligament whereas the posterior root showed no bony attachment. The radiographic and arthroscopic findings are described. The clinical decision was made after to proceed with observation, reassurance, and gradual return to full activity with physiotherapy guidance. Discussion and conclusion The absence of injury, the mild complaints reported by the patient, his age, skeletal immaturity, and remaining growth led us to adopt a conservative approach to treating this anatomic variant and currently the patient is able to participate fully in sports without symptoms or restrictions.

Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging of meniscal pathology ex vivo

Objective To determine the ability of conventional spin echo (SE) T2 and ultrashort echo time (UTE) T2* relaxation times to characterize pathology in cadaveric meniscus samples. Materials and methods From 10 human donors, 54 triangular (radially cut) meniscus samples were harvested. Meniscal pathology was classified as normal (n = 17), intrasubstance degenerated (n = 33), or torn (n = 4) using a modified arthroscopic grading system. Using a 3-T MR system, SE T2 and UTE T2* values of the menisci were determined, followed by histopathology. Effect of meniscal pathology on relaxation times and histology scores were determined, along with correlation between relaxation times and histology scores. Results Mean ± standard deviation UTE T2* values for normal, degenerated, and torn menisci were 3.6 ± 1.3 ms, 7.4 ± 2.5 ms, and 9.8 ± 5.7 ms, respectively, being significantly higher in degenerated (p < 0.0001) and torn (p = 0.0002) menisci compared to that in normal. In contrast, the respective mean SE T2 values were 27.7 ± 9.5 ms, 25.9 ± 7.0 ms, and 35.7 ± 10.4 ms, without significant differences between groups (all p > 0.14). In terms of histology, we found significant group-wise differences (each p < 0.05) in fiber organization and inner-tip surface integrity sub-scores, as well as the total score. Finally, we found a significant weak correlation between UTE T2* and histology total score (p = 0.007, Rs2 = 0.19), unlike the correlation between SE T2 and histology (p = 0.09, Rs2 = 0.05). Conclusion UTE T2* values were found to distinguish normal from both degenerated and torn menisci and correlated significantly with histopathology.

Diagnosis and Management of Articular Cartilage and Meniscus Pathology in the Posterior Cruciate Ligament-Injured Knee

Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries commonly occur in association with participation in sporting or recreational activities or due to a direct trauma. Cartilage and meniscal lesions are prevalent in PCL-injured knees with increasing likelihood and severity based on extent and duration of trauma to the knee. As such, comprehensive diagnostics should be performed to ascertain all related pathology, and patients should be thoroughly educated regarding treatment options, likely sequelae including posttraumatic osteoarthritis, and associated outcomes. Treatments should address the joint as an organ, ensuring stability, alignment, and functional tissue restoration are optimized by the most efficient and effective means possible. Compliance with patient- and procedure-specific postoperative management protocols is critical for optimizing successful outcomes for these complex cases. The objectives of this review article are to highlight the likelihood and importance of osteochondral and meniscal pathology in the PCL-injured knee, and to provide the best current evidence regarding comprehensive evaluation and management for PCL-injured knees with cartilage and/or meniscal comorbidities.

Rates of Concomitant Meniscal Tears in Pediatric Patients With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries Increase With Age and Body Mass Index

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are frequently associated with meniscal injury. Risk factors for concomitant meniscal injuries have been studied in the adult population but less so in pediatric patients. Purpose: To evaluate the relationship between age and body mass index (BMI) and the presence of a concomitant meniscal tear at the time of ACL reconstruction (ACLR) in pediatric patients. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A single-institution retrospective review was performed of patients aged <19 years who underwent primary ACLR over a 3.5-year period. Revision ACLR and multiligament knee reconstructions were excluded. Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors associated with having a meniscal tear at the time of surgery. Subgroup analysis was performed for medial and lateral meniscal tears. Results: Included in this study were 453 patients (230 males, 223 females; median age, 15 years). Of these, 265 patients (58%) had a meniscal tear, including 150 isolated lateral meniscal tears, 53 isolated medial meniscal tears, and 62 patients with both lateral and medial meniscal tears. Median time from injury to surgery was 48 days. For every 1-year increase in age, there was a 16% increase in the adjusted odds of having any meniscal tear (odds ratio [OR], 1.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-1.27; P = .002), with a 20% increase in the odds of having a medial meniscal tear (OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.07-1.35; P = .002) and a 16% increase in the odds of having a lateral meniscal tear (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.05-1.27; P = .003). For every 2-point increase in BMI, there was a 12% increase in the odds of having any meniscal tear (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.02-1.22; P = .016) and a 10% increase in the odds of having a lateral meniscal tear (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.01-1.19; P = .028). Conclusion: Pediatric patients undergoing ACLR had a 58% incidence of concomitant meniscal pathology. Increasing age and BMI were independent risk factors for these injuries, while no association was found between time to surgery and meniscal pathology.