Summary

Arthroscopic medial meniscus posterior root repair using the suture anchor technique improves functional outcomes regardless of age

Abstract

Background

Outcomes after medial meniscus posterior root repair using the suture anchor technique remain underreported, and the impact of age on these outcomes is unknown.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of medial meniscus posterior root repairs using the suture anchor technique in patients younger than 60 years old versus patients 60 years old or older. The outcomes assessed were: 1) Clinical outcomes and 2) Radiological outcomes.

Methods

Inclusion criteria included patients aged 18 years or older who underwent arthroscopic medial meniscus posterior root repair using the suture anchor technique between September 2019 and July 2022. Patients were categorized into two groups based on age: Group A (< 60 years) and Group B (≥ 60 years). The IKDC score, Lysholm score, Kellgren–Lawrence (K–L, 0/1/2/3/4) grade, meniscal healing status (complete/partial/none healing) and meniscal extrusion were evaluated retrospectively. Preoperative results were compared with final results within each group and outcomes were also compared between groups.

Result: Fifteen patients in Group A (mean age, 49.9 ± 5.9 years) and fifteen patients in Group B (mean age, 64.4 ± 4.9 years) were recruited. The mean IKDC score improved significantly (Group A: from 36.6 ± 11.7 to 53.7 ± 8.4, P < .001; Group B: from 31.9 ± 8.8 to 61.3 ± 11.5, P < .001), as did the Lysholm score (Group A: from 53.5 ± 20.5 to 73.5 ± 20.5, P < .001; Group B: from 49.1 ± 14.9 to 87.6 ± 10.5, P < .001). However, the K-L grade worsened significantly (Group A: from 0/6/9/0/0 to 0/4/9/2/0, P = .046; Group B: from 0/3/12/0/0 to 0/2/9/3/1, P = .034). No significant differences between the groups were observed in the final outcomes, including IKDC score (Group A: 54.3 ± 8.1; Group B: 61.3 ± 11.5, P = 0.065), Lysholm score (Group A: 82.0 ± 12.4; Group B: 87.6 ± 10.5, P = 0.192), progression of K-L grade (Group A: 4/15; Group B: 5/15, P = 1.000), meniscal healing status (Group A: 9/3/3; Group B: 9/5/1, P =0.521) and postoperative meniscal extrusion (Group A: 3.3 ± 0.9; Group B: 3.8 ± 0.9, P =0.110).

Conclusion

Arthroscopic medial meniscus posterior root repair using the suture anchor technique improves functional outcomes regardless of age. However, it does not fully prevent the development of osteoarthritis.

Study design: Retrospective cohort study, level of evidence : 4

Keyword : meniscus root, root repair, suture anchor technique, age, outcome