Effects of Partial Meniscectomy on in vivo Gait Biomechanics: Systematic Review and Metanalysis

Effects of Partial Meniscectomy on in vivo Gait Biomechanics: Systematic Review and Metanalysis

Enzo Salviato Mameri, MD, MSc, BRAZIL Felipe Gonzalez, MD, UNITED STATES Lucas Pallone, MD, BRAZIL Eliane C. Guadagnin, PhD, BRAZIL Luc Fortier, MD, UNITED STATES Carlos E. S. Franciozi, MD, PhD, Prof., BRAZIL Jonathan A. Gustafson, PhD, UNITED STATES Jorge Chahla, MD, PhD, UNITED STATES Leonardo Metsavaht, MD PhD, BRAZIL Gustavo Leporace, PhD, BRAZIL

Midwest Orthopedics at Rush, Chicago, Illinois, UNITED STATES


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Summary: Meta-analysis of available literature reveals that partial meniscectomy leads to altered knee kinematics, particularly with significantly decreased knee flexion range of motion during gait, and with qualitative evidence to suggest additional effects on knee kinetics, namely decreased knee extension moment early postoperatively and increases in knee joint loading chronically.


Background

Improved understanding of meniscus biomechanics in recent decades, along with the development of modern surgical techniques and devices, have shifted the management of meniscal pathology from ubiquitous menisctomies toward an emphasis on meniscus repair whenever possible. Although partial meniscectomy is currently considered a last resort, primarily indicated for irreparable symptomatic tears, it is still one of the most frequently performed procedures worldwide. In addition to influencing load distribution and joint stability, meniscectomy has also demonstrated an impact on knee kinematics.
Objetive: The aim of this study was to systematically review the available evidence on the effects of partial meniscectomy on in vivo knee biomechanics. We hypothesized that partial meniscectomy would lead to altered in vivo knee kinetics and kinematics.

Methods

databases were queried for level I-III studies comparing in vivo knee biomechanics post-partial meniscectomy with asymptomatic knees using three-dimensional motion analysis of weight-bearing tasks. Data extraction included demographics, study design, meniscus injury characteristics, motion analysis methods, tasks analyzed and reported biomechanical outcomes. Standardized mean differences in knee kinematics during gait were the primary outcome measure. Each included study's risk of bias was assessed using NIH Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies.

Results

Fourteen studies were ultimately eligible in the present review, with a total sample of 338 knees submitted to a partial meniscectomy and 231 asymptomatic knees as controls (contralateral knees and healthy controls group). Nine of the studies had a longitudinal design, and 5 were cross-sectional. Ten of the included studies assessed overground walking at a self-selected cadence – eight of which with no additional task in their protocols. Metanalysis of 5 studies reporting on knee flexion ROM during the stance phase of gait following partial medial meniscectomy revealed a significant decrease in partial meniscectomy patients relative to control groups (SMD = 0.84; 95% CI: -1.36 to -0.32; p = 0.002). Although there was a clear trend toward lower values of minimum flexion angles (i.e. closer to full extension) during terminal stance in the control group versus post-meniscectomy patients, the results ultimately indicate no significant difference at a p = 0.05 (SMD 0.48; 95% CI: -0.004 to 0.98; p = 0.05). No significant differences were achieved for peak knee flexion angle during stance and for knee flexion angle at initial contact. Although heterogeneity in reported outcomes precluded formal metanalysis of kinetics outcomes, there is qualitative evidence of altered sagittal plane knee kinetics during gait following partial meniscectomy in 4 studies, namely with decreased peak extension moments at 6 months, and increased peak adduction moment and peak vertical forces at 2 years.

Conclusion

Partial meniscectomy was found to lead to significant decreases in knee flexion range of motion during gait. Additional qualitative evidence suggests partial meniscectomy also affects axial plane kinematics and may be associated with decreased knee extensor moment early postoperatively and with increases in knee joint loading chronically, incurring potential for further development of osteoarthritis. The current literature is limited by heterogeneity and low-sensitivity protocols in motion analysis.