Purpose

To compare MRI findings of transtibial repair of the posterior meniscal root tears and to evaluate the patient demography and clinical findings.

Methods

Patients treated with transtibial meniscal root repairs from 2015 to June 2018 performed pre- and postoperative MRI scans. Outcome measures were continuity/discontinuity of the meniscal root and change in meniscal extrusion on MRI. Other outcomes were KOOS and Lysholm score.
Study design: Retrospective case-series.

Results

Of 41 patients, 36 attended to follow-up at 26 (12-38) months. On follow-up, 5 out of 18 medial meniscus posterior root tear (MMPRT) repairs versus 11 out of 18 lateral meniscus posterior root tear (LMPRT) repairs were classified as healed. Meniscal extrusion increased in MMPRTs from 3.1 ± 1.6 mm to 4.8 ± 1.9 mm (p=0.005) and decreased in LMPRTs from of 2.3 ±1.5 mm to 1.4 ± 1.09 mm (p=0.080) (between-group difference, p<0.001). The MMPRT repair group were of higher age and BMI. LMPRT repairs were associated with ACL injury and additional meniscal injury. No between-group differences were found for KOOS and Lysholm scores.

Conclusion

Following transtibial repair for posterior meniscal root repairs, the LMPRTs had a higher frequency of healing, whereas MMPRTs continued to extrude, despite surgical intervention. The study also confirmed that MMPRTs and LMPRTs differ in demography and associated injuries.