Abstract
Background
Meniscus repair can restore the function of torn meniscus in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-reconstructed knees. However, few reports investigate the relationship between concurrent meniscus repair with ACL reconstruction and postoperative meniscal position. This study aimed to evaluate the size of the medial meniscus in patients who underwent ACL reconstruction and concomitant all-inside medial meniscus repair.
Methods
This study received the approval of our Institutional Review Board. Twenty patients underwent ACL reconstruction and concurrent medial meniscus repair of a peripheral longitudinal tear using the FasT-Fix meniscal repair device. Medial tibial plateau length (MTPL) and width (MTPW) were determined by radiographic images. We evaluated the Lysholm score, anteroposterior instability (difference in KT-2000 arthrometer measurement), meniscal healing, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based medial meniscal length (MML) and width (MMW). The healing status of repaired medial meniscus was assessed by 2nd-look arthroscopy.
Results
ACL reconstruction improved the Lysholm score and anteroposterior instability. All the patients showed complete healing of the repaired meniscus in 2nd-look arthroscopic evaluation. Significant increase of MML and MML percentage (100 × MML/MTPL) was observed after concurrent all-inside medial meniscus repair with ACL reconstruction. However, MMW and MMW percentage (100 × MMW/MTPW) were not affected.
Conclusions
Concurrent all-inside medial meniscus repair with ACL reconstruction had satisfactory clinical results. Anteroposterior length of the medial meniscus increased after surgery. Our results suggest that medial meniscus repair associated with ACL reconstruction may affect the biomechanical function of the medial meniscus.
Level of Evidence
Case-control study, Level IV
Disclosure
The authors have no conflicts of interest.
