Summary

The high degrees of cephalic laxity found correlate with a positive aspiration and traction sign, indicating that cephalic laxity is associated with lateral meniscus hypermobility.

Abstract

Introduction

The lateral meniscus (LM) exhibits greater mobility compared to the medial meniscus (MM) due to the lack of meniscocapsular insertions at the popliteal hiatus. Hypermobile lateral meniscus (HLM) refers to excessive anterior translation of the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus (PHLM), often causing knee pain and locking, particularly during kneeling. This study explores cephalic laxity of the posterior root of the lateral meniscus as an arthroscopic sign of meniscal hypermobility.

OBJECTIVES:
To assess whether the degree of cephalic laxity correlates with lateral meniscus hypermobility and to determine its potential as an arthroscopic diagnostic sign for HLM.

Methods

This observational descriptive case series study was conducted at a sports medicine center in Ecuador from November 2023 to May 2024. Inclusion criteria comprised patients undergoing knee arthroscopy within the study period, excluding those with evident posterior root injury, unstable meniscal tears, diffuse grade IV Outerbridge chondropathy of the lateral compartment, and posterolateral corner injuries. Data were collected anonymously and analyzed using statistical software, with a focus on arthroscopic findings and patient symptoms.

Results

Among 106 patients (57% male, 43% female; average age 38.9 years), a significant correlation was found between posterolateral knee pain and meniscal hypermobility. The study identified a 76% probability of increased pain during hyperflexion among patients with posterolateral knee pain, with a 52% likelihood of positive aspiration and traction tests indicating meniscal hypermobility. Pearson correlation coefficients confirmed the relationship between cephalic laxity and meniscal hypermobility, suggesting the proposed classification’s applicability.

Conclusion

Cephalic laxity of the posterior root of the lateral meniscus, without detachment, may serve as a valid arthroscopic diagnostic sign for HLM. The classification cephalic laxity of the posterior root of the lateral meniscus (CLPRLM) provides a reliable guide for surgical management, demonstrating a high predictive value through statistical modeling.