Meniscal Extrusion Progresses Shortly after the Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Tear

Abstract

PurposeMedial meniscus posterior root tears (MMPRT) induce medial meniscus extrusion (MME). However, the time-dependent extent of MME in patients suffering from the MMPRT remains unclear. This study evaluated the extent of MME after painful popping events that occurred at the onset of the MMPRT.Materials and MethodsThirty-five patients who had an episode of posteromedial painful popping were investigated. All the patients were diagnosed as having an MMPRT by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within 12 months after painful popping. Medial meniscus body width (MMBW), absolute MME, and relative MME (100×absolute MME/MMBW) were assessed among three groups divided according to the time after painful popping events: early period (<1 month), subacute period (1–3 months), and chronic period (4–12 months).ResultsIn the early period, absolute and relative MMEs were 3.0 mm and 32.7%, respectively. Absolute MME increased up to 4.2 mm and 5.8 mm during the subacute and chronic periods, respectively. Relative MME also progressed to 49.2% and 60.3% in the subacute and chronic periods, respectively.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that absolute and relative MMEs increased progressively within the short period after the onset of symptomatic MMPRT. Our results suggest that early diagnosis of an MMPRT may be important to prevent progression of MME following the MMPRT.

Preliminary diagnosis of medial meniscus posterior root tears using the Rosenberg radiographic view

“…Although MRI examination is indispensable for the diagnosis of MMPRT, considering the time required for imaging and the high cost, MRI should only be performed in the presence of certain clinical evidence to support its use. On the other hand, it is important to not miss the diagnosis of an MMPRT because of the associated risk for progression of degenerative changes over a short period [28]. Furthermore, if surgery is performed at a later stage, improvements in the MME cannot be expected [29].…”

The accuracy of a newly developed guide system in medial meniscus posterior root repair: a comparison between two aiming guides

“…Patients who had radiographic knee osteoarthritis involved in Kellgren-Lawrence grade III or more and a previous history of meniscus injury or knee surgery were excluded. All the patients were diagnosed as having MMPRTs with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations and met operative indications for arthroscopic transtibial pullout repair (a femorotibial angle < 180°, Outerbridge grade I or II, and Kellgren-Lawrence grades 0-II) [13][14][15][16][17][18]. Duration from painful popping event to surgery was 84.4 ± 68.2 days.…”

Arthroscopic scoring system of meniscal healing following medial meniscus posterior root repair

“…Injuries to the MM posterior root, including complete radial and/or oblique tears adjacent to the posterior root attachment and posterior horn, lead to accelerated degeneration of the knee joint articular cartilage by disrupting meniscal functions [1]. In addition, the MM posterior root tear (MMPRT) leads to progression of osteoarthritis and/or spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee by inducing abnormal biomechanics of the tibiofemoral joint [2,3]. Therefore, conservative treatments of MMPRTs are associated with worsening osteoarthritis and poor clinical outcome [4].…”