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Purpose: Meniscal wrapping is a fully arthroscopic technique that involves enhanced meniscal repair with a tissue-engineered collagen matrix wrapping. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of using the meniscal wrapping technique for the treatment of chronic or complex meniscal tears. The primary objective is to assess its failure rate. The secondary objectives are to analyse complication rate, functional outcomes and overall patient satisfaction. Methods: This retrospective case series study included patients who sustained chronic and complex tears undergoing meniscal wrapping with autologous liquid bone marrow injection. Failure rate was considered if the patient underwent partial or complete meniscectomy or knee replacement during the follow-up, while other unexpected knee reoperations were considered as complications. Clinical outcomes were evaluated through the IKDC score, Tegner Activity Score and Short Assessment of Patient Satisfaction. Results: Twenty-one patients were included (15 non-acute bucket-handle tears, three non-acute horizontal tears and three non-acute complex injuries). The failure rate was 9.5% at 33 months. The rate of other unplanned reoperations was 14.3%, but none of these complications were apparently directly related to the wrapping technique. The average postoperative IKDC was 73.3/100. No statistically significant difference was encountered between preinjury and postoperative Tegner Activity Score. The mean overall patient satisfaction was 88.3/100. Conclusions: Meniscal wrapping can be safely used as an adjunctive technique to meniscal repair in such difficult-to-treat cases to preserve the meniscus. The technique achieves a low failure rate and promising results of knee function, and patient satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Visual impairment can cause balance problems. Therefore, visual impairment caused by an increase in corneal deviations can lead to sudden and unstable loads in the lower extremities. We aimed to investigate the possible relationship between low-energy meniscal injuries and corneal structural measures. Methods: This prospective, observational study included individuals aged between 18–40 years with a normal body-mass index. The study group consisted of 54 patients with grade 2 or 3 meniscus injuries after low-energy activity. The control group consisted of 54 healthy individuals without any complaints in the knee joint. The corneal parameters of all participants were evaluated with a Scheimpflug corneal topography and specular microscopy device. Simulated keratometry (SimK), minimum central corneal thickness (MCCT), cylindrical diopter (ClyD), corneal volume (CVol) spheric aberrations (SphAbb), high-order aberration (HOA), coma values, and endothelial parameters were recorded. Results: The research and control groups were similar in terms of age, body mass index, and gender distribution. There was no significant difference between the groups in the corneal SimK and CylD, parameters. However, HOA, Coma, SphAbb, and cell variability (Cv) values were significantly higher in the study group, and contrarily MCCT, CVol, and endothelial count (Cd) values were significantly lower. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that individuals with relatively lower MCCT values tend to develop meniscal damage after low-energy activity. Hence, the loss of corneal strength in these patients may be a sign of possible weakness in the meniscus. The HOA value above 0.26, the coma value above 0.16, and the SphAbb value above 0.1 may significantly increase the possible meniscus injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Obesity is a potential risk factor for meniscal tear (MT). We utilized meta‐analysis of observational studies and Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to elucidate the association between body mass index (BMI) and MT. In meta‐analysis, a search was performed on June 27, 2022, using PubMed and Embase databases. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were extracted from included studies. In MR analyses, the research utilized summary‐level data on BMI and MT obtained from Genetic Investigation of Anthropometric Traits and the FinnGen Consortium, respectively. In meta‐analysis, four studies comprising 826,383 participants were included. The pooled odds ratio of MT in the high BMI group was 1.32 (95% confidence interval, 0.83–2.09), compared with the nonhigh BMI group. The pooled odds ratio in the under 30 group was 1.76 (95% confidence interval, 0.61–5.03). In MR analyses, one standard deviation increase in genetically predicted BMI was associated with meniscus derangement as a chronic subtype of MT (odds ratio, 1.36; 95% confidential interval, 1.17–1.59). We found that a high BMI was not associated with an increased likelihood of MT based on meta‐analysis of observational studies; however, by complementing MR analyses, we elucidated the causality of BMI increase on meniscus derangement as a chronic subtype of MT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Meniscal injury is one of the most common knee injuries. It is known that loss of meniscus increases the risk of subsequent development of degenerative changes in the knee This research aimed to evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes of arthroscopic treatment of meniscal tear using the All-inside technique. Methods: This prospective study was conducted on 18 patients with meniscal tears admitted to the Orthopedic Surgery Department, at Zagazig University hospitals. The patients treated with the all-inside repair technique, the range of the patient ages from 18 to 40 years old (mean 26.50 years), with the majority being male (77.8%) and female (22.2%). Results: The mean operative time of all cases was 73.33 ± 26.67 (range 40-100 minutes). The mean operative time of isolated meniscal repair cases was 41.42 ± 5.56 (40-45 minutes). The mean operative time of associated ACL reconstruction cases was 93.63 ± 5.04 (90 - 100 minutes). Fifteen (83.3%) cases had moderate pre-operative pain and three (16.7%) cases had severe pain. while postoperative, 11 cases (61.1%) had no pain, five cases (27.8%) had mild pain, one had moderate pain, and one had severe pain. the test value is 29.250. there is a highly statistically significant difference between pre-operative and post-operative pain. Eighteen (100.0%) cases had painful limited flexion or extension pre-operative, while postoperative, 14 (77.8%) cases had full range, two (11.1%) cases had less than 20 degrees' loss of flexion, one case (5.6%) had loss of 30degree flexion. and one case had a loss of 40 degrees of flexion. There is a highly statistically significant difference between preoperative and post-operative IKDC score. There was a highly statistically significant difference between pre-operative and post-operative Lysholm score. According to the post-operative Lysholm score, there were two poor cases (11.1%), three (16.7%) good cases & 13 (72.2%) excellent cases. Conclusions: Arthroscopic All-inside meniscal repair could be an effective, safe, rapid surgical management with reliable and predictable outcomes and avoid the risks of nerve and vessel injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Treatment strategies for meniscal tears range from nonoperative management to surgical intervention. However, national trends in cost-related outcomes and patient factors related to the failure of nonoperative management remain poorly understood. Purpose: To describe the costs associated with nonoperative versus operative management of meniscal tears in the 2 years after diagnosis and examine the relationship between patient characteristics and timing of surgery. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: This study was conducted using the MarketScan databases. Patients diagnosed with a meniscal tear without concomitant knee osteoarthritis between January 1 and December 31, 2017, were included. The primary outcome was the total cost of meniscal tear-related procedures—including insurance deductibles, coinsurance, and net insurance payments—in the 2 years after diagnosis. Procedures included were as follows: (1) surgery—including meniscectomy or meniscal repair; (2) physical therapy; (3) medication—including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, opioids, and acetaminophen; (4) intra-articular injections—including professional fee, hyaluronic acid, and corticosteroids; (5) imaging; and (6) clinic visits to orthopaedic specialists. Patients were grouped as having undergone early surgery (ES) (≤3 months of diagnosis), late surgery (LS) (>3 months after diagnosis), or no surgery (NS). Multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine the likelihood of undergoing surgery early and failing nonoperative treatment. Results: The study population included 29,924 patients with a mean age of 43.9 ± 12.9 years (ES: n = 9507 (31.8%); LS: n = 2021 (6.8%); NS: n = 18,396 (61.5%)). Complex (36.6%) and medial (58.8%) meniscal tears were the most common type and location of injuries, respectively. The mean cost of management per patient was $3835 ± $4795. Costs were lower in the NS group ($1905 ± $3175) compared with the ES group ($6759 ± $5155), while the highest costs were observed in the LS group ($7649 ± $5913) (P <.001). Patients who were men, >40 years, and with a bucket-handle or lateral meniscal tear were more likely to undergo surgery early. Patients who were men, <30 years, and with a complex tear or tear to the lateral meniscus were more likely to fail nonoperative management. Conclusion: Nonoperative management had the lowest cost burden and should be recommended for patients with appropriate indications. However, if surgery is necessary, it should be performed earlier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Visual impairment can cause balance problems. Therefore, visual impairment caused by an increase in corneal deviations can lead to sudden and unstable loads in the lower extremities. We aimed to investigate the possible relationship between low-energy meniscal injuries and corneal structural measures. Methods This prospective, observational study included individuals aged between 18–40 years with a normal body-mass index. The study group consisted of 54 patients with grade 2 or 3 meniscus injuries after low-energy activity. The control group consisted of 54 healthy individuals without any complaints in the knee joint. The corneal parameters of all participants were evaluated with a Scheimpflug corneal topography and specular microscopy device. Simulated keratometry (SimK), minimum central corneal thickness (MCCT), cylindrical diopter (ClyD), corneal volume (CVol) spheric aberrations (SphAbb), high-order aberration (HOA), coma values, and endothelial parameters were recorded. Results The research and control groups were similar in terms of age, body mass index, and gender distribution. There was no significant difference between the groups in the corneal SimK and CylD, parameters. However, HOA, Coma, SphAbb, and cell variability (Cv) values were significantly higher in the study group, and contrarily MCCT, CVol, and endothelial count (Cd) values were significantly lower. Conclusions Our findings suggest that individuals with relatively lower MCCT values tend to develop meniscal damage after low-energy activity. Hence, the loss of corneal strength in these patients may be a sign of possible weakness in the meniscus. The HOA value above 0.26, the coma value above 0.16, and the SphAbb value above 0.1 may significantly increase the possible meniscus injury.

BACKGROUND: A prevalent concern, meniscal tears impact a substantial portion of the population, frequently necessitating surgical intervention due to severe pain. Attaining physical and functional fitness following meniscal surgery presents a notable challenge for both patients and physiotherapists. This case underscores the importance of effective rehabilitation strategies along with application of transfer energy capacitive and resistive (TECAR) therapy. CASE PRESENTATION: A 51-year-old female, after arthroscopic surgery for a meniscal tear, sought a focused 4-week rehabilitation program. Integrating TECAR therapy and targeted exercises addressed pain, range of motion, muscle strength, gait, and balance. OUTCOME AND FOLLOW-UP: Significant improvements were observed, including pain reduction, increased knee flexion, enhanced muscle strength, improved gait, and balance. Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score results reflected comprehensive improvement in knee-related domains. DISCUSSION: TECAR therapy played a pivotal role in pain management, while mobilization and targeted exercises positively impacted knee range of motion and muscle strength. Gait analysis and the Star Excursion Balance Test highlighted improved gait parameters and balance, affirming the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation approach. JOSPT Cases 2024;4(2):84-93. Epub 18 April 2024. doi:10.2519/josptcases.2024.0033 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are a gold standard for estimating the benefits of clinical interventions, but their decision-making utility can be limited by relatively short follow-up time. Longer-term follow-up of RCT participants is essential to support treatment decisions. However, as time from randomization accrues, loss to follow-up and competing events can introduce biases and require covariate adjustment even for intention-to-treat effects. We describe a process for synthesizing expert knowledge and apply this to long-term follow-up of an RCT of treatments for meniscal tears in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). We identified 2 post-randomization events likely to impact accurate assessment of pain outcomes beyond 5 years in trial participants: loss to follow-up and total knee replacement (TKR). We conducted literature searches for covariates related to pain and TKR in individuals with knee OA and combined these with expert input. We synthesized the evidence into graphical models. We identified 94 potential covariates potentially related to pain and/or TKR among individuals with knee OA. Of these, 46 were identified in the literature review and 48 by expert panelists. We determined that adjustment for 50 covariates may be required to estimate the long-term effects of knee OA treatments on pain. We present a process for combining literature reviews with expert input to synthesize existing knowledge and improve covariate selection. We apply this process to the long-term follow-up of a randomized trial and show that expert input provides additional information not obtainable from literature reviews alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The number of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries has considerably increased in the recent years, especially in young adults and adolescents. Associated meniscal tears increase anterior and rotary laxity. Posterior peripheral meniscocapsular tear of medial meniscus is also called ramp lesion. Prevalence of 9% to 17% in adults and up to 23% in pediatric population has been reported. The aim of this study was to determine anterior laxity of cadaveric ACL-deficient knees with several size of ramp lesions. Methods: Fresh cadaveric knees were explored. Major osteoarthritis and/or ACL and meniscal tears on arthroscopy were exclusion criteria. Mean age at death was 86 years old. Dynamic laximetry with GNRB® device was made in several conditions: Knee prior to any procedure, after arthroscopic exploration, after ACL section, and then after increasing sizes of ramp lesions up to 30 mm. Anteroposterior laxity was measured with 2 loading forces successively (134N and 200N). Results: After ACL section only, tibiofemoral joint anterior laxity was significantly increased. Mean increase was 156% regardless of the loading force. No statistical laxity difference was found between knees with ACL section only and knees with ACL and meniscal section for any size of ramp lesions. Increasing size of ramp lesion was not correlated with increasing of laxity. Conclusion: We could not find a threshold size of ramp lesion which increases knee anterior laxity. We were not able to determine a threshold recommending a ramp lesion repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Preoperative risk factors contributing to poor outcomes after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM) have not yet been consolidated and codified into an index scoring system used to predict APM success. Purpose: To create an index score using available preoperative factors to predict the likelihood of favorable postoperative outcomes after APM. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A consecutive cohort of patients undergoing primary APM were enrolled in this study. Patients completed pre- and postoperative patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) questionnaires that included the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey (VR-12 Physical and Mental), and Marx Activity Rating Scale (MARS). Multivariable logistic regression models were performed to evaluate independent predictors of KOOS Pain, Symptoms, and Activities of Daily Living scores and achievement of the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and substantial clinical benefit (SCB). The authors assigned points to each variable proportional to its odds ratio, rounded to the nearest integer, to generate the index score. Results: In total, 468 patients (mean age, 49 years [SD, 10.4 years; range, 19-81 years]) were included in this study. In the univariate analysis, shorter symptom duration, lower Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grade, lower preoperative KOOS Pain value, and lower VR-12 Physical score were associated with a higher likelihood of clinical improvement at 1 year. In the multivariable model for clinical improvement with MCID, symptom duration (<3 months: OR, 3.00 [95% CI, 1.45-6.19]; 3-6 months: OR, 2.03 [95% CI, 1.10-3.72], compared with >6 months), KL grade (grade 0: OR, 3.54 [95% CI, 1.66-7.54]; grade 1: OR, 3.04 [95% CI, 1.48-6.26]; grade 2: OR, 2.31 [95% CI, 1.02-5.27], compared with grade 3), and preoperative KOOS Pain value (score <45: OR, 3.00 [95% CI, 1.57-5.76]; score of 45-60: OR, 2.80 [95% CI, 1.47-5.35], compared with score >60) were independent significant predictors for clinical improvement. The scoring algorithm demonstrated that a higher total score predicted a higher likelihood of achieving the MCID: 0 = 40%, 1 = 68%, 2 = 80%, 3 = 89%, and 4 = 96%. Conclusion: Using this model, the authors developed an index score that, using preoperative factors, can help identify which patients will achieve clinical improvement after APM. Longer symptom duration and higher KL grade were associated with a decreased likelihood of clinical improvement as measured by KOOS Pain at 1 year postoperatively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The acute locked knee is an orthopaedic emergency requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment. It can be classified as acute or chronic. The term 'locked knee' refers to a knee that demonstrates fixed flexion or which has a 'block' to complete extension. Some degree of active or passive extension may be achievable, but not full extension. The most frequent causes of a locked knee are a meniscal tear, rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament or loose bodies. Magnetic resonance imaging is the gold standard in diagnostic imaging. Knee arthroscopy is considered the gold standard in management. This article gives an overview of the presentation, assessment and management of the locked knee for core surgical, acute care common stem and emergency medicine trainees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Repair of meniscal tears in the avascular zone represents an obstacle for orthopedic surgeons. Several therapeutic methods have been suggested to mange these tears including meniscectomy and meniscal allografts; however, their clinical application was restricted due to their disadvantages. These limitations inspired the necessity to develop products that possess the ability to initiate healing in such avascular tears. Hence, the goal of the current study is to assess and compare the regenerative capability of bone marrow aspirate (BMA) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to enhance repair of avascular meniscal tears. After preparation of BMA and PRP, meniscal tear was conducted in the inner avascular zones in dogs and left untreated as control or treated with either BMA or PRP. Clinical observation of weight bearing, lameness, pain on manipulation, gait, and functional disability were investigated after 3, 6, 9, and 12 weeks of surgery. In addition, gross and histological evaluations were performed at weeks 4, 8, and 12 after surgery. Both materials demonstrated a positive improvement in clinical observations compared to the control group. Furthermore, repair of meniscal tears was stimulated in tears treated with either BMA or PRP with better gross and histological outcomes in PRP-treated group than BMA-treated group. To conclude, our findings showed that BMA and PRP possess the potential to enhance the healing process of meniscal tears in the inner avascular region with the superiority of PRP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• MRI can be useful in preoperative planning of tibial plateau fractures with a high incidence of associated soft tissue injuries diagnosed. • Arthroscopy and arthrotomy can accurately diagnose and permit treatment of associated soft tissue lesions at the time of tibial plateau fracture fixation. • Surgeons who use these diagnostic methods often find concomitant injuries, and most elect to surgically treat the soft tissues. • Good to excellent results have been achieved with arthroscopy and arthrotomy techniques but the literature fails to support clear superiority. • The authors cannot recommend routine MRI, arthroscopy or arthrotomy use in the management of tibial plateau fractures. Currently there is no consensus on the need for investigating knee ligamentous and meniscal injuries in a patient with a tibial plateau fracture. Consequently, many soft tissue injuries are likely undiagnosed and therefore untreated. The impact this has on long term knee outcomes is not well defined. We aimed to identify the impacts of various diagnostic methods on the management of meniscal injuries associated with tibial plateau fractures and evaluate the clinical outcomes. We performed a systematic review using Pubmed, Medline, Embase, CINAHL and Cochrane following Cochrane guidelines. We included studies that operatively managed tibial plateau fractures and soft tissue injuries, which were diagnosed with either preoperative MRI, intra-operative arthroscopy or arthrotomy. 18 articles with 884 people, with a mean age of 46.4 years were included. Soft tissue injuries were detected on MRI (32-73%) and arthroscopy (12-70%), of which the most common were lateral meniscal injuries (7-64% of tibial plateau fractures). When identified by arthroscopy and arthrotomy, these injuries were almost always treated, either by repair or debridement. The clinical outcomes of these patients were poorly reported, with a heterogenous use of patient reported outcome measures, and follow up time points. There were no randomised trials or control groups for comparative analysis, however operative treatment yielded good to excellent outcomes. There is a high incidence of concomitant soft tissue injuries with tibial plateau fractures, particularly lateral meniscal injuries. There are 2 main approaches to meniscal injuries: surgeons who don't investigate, don't treat, whilst surgeons who do investigate often do surgically treat. Although studies that treated these injuries achieved good to excellent results, the currently available evidence doesn't confirm treatment superiority. As there is plausibility for better outcomes, randomised studies are needed to further investigate this clinical question. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The latest studies agree that meniscal tears that require surgery should be repaired whenever possible to avoid early-onset osteoarthritis secondary to meniscectomy. Unfortunately, there are several limitations associated with meniscal sutures, making it difficult to put into practice the theory behind the concept of saving the meniscus. Meanwhile, there is an exponential growth in the use of tissue adhesives for surgery, but finding one suited to meniscal repair remains a struggle. This review has two main goals (1) to compile the various bioadhesives used in this field and (2) to list the criteria for an ideal meniscal bioadhesive. The review was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science in November 2023 without date restrictions. The inclusion criteria were: Studies published in English and focusing on meniscal repair using bioadhesives. The exclusion criteria were: Studies published in languages other than English. Adhesives used in combination with sutures, as the aim was to determine the adhesive's capabilities for meniscal repair alone. Synthetic adhesives such as polycyanoacrylates, polyethylene glycol, polyurethanes, and polyesters. Among the 11 bioadhesives found, fibrin is the only one that has been studied in humans. There are advantages and disadvantages to all the bioadhesives identified but none that fully meet the requirements for meniscal repair. The anatomy of meniscal tissue is complex and poses unique challenges that are compounded by arthroscopic stresses. The future of meniscal repair probably lies in combining the advantages of several bioadhesives, and this area should be the focus of future research., Competing Interests: Marie-Lyne Nault: The institution (Hopital Sacré-Coeur de Montréal) has received departmental funding for research and educational purposes from: 10.13039/100007307Arthrex, Conmed, Depuy, Linvatec, Smith & Nephew, 10.13039/100008894Stryker, Synthes, Tornier, Wright, 10.13039/100012630Zimmer Biomet. Departmental funding was also provided to 10.13039/501100023447CHU Sainte-Justine from Orthopaediatrics and 10.13039/100009026Smith and Nephew. This project did not receive any funding from these entities, and they were not involved in any aspect of the submitted work. The other authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (© 2024 Professor P K Surendran Memorial Education Foundation. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.)

Introduction: Meniscal injuries are a common challenge in orthopedic surgery. For decades, partial or total meniscectomy has been the primary surgical treatment for meniscal tears. In recent years, the increased recognition of menisci's biomechanical importance has progressively shifted the paradigm towards meniscus repair. However, meniscus-sparing surgery remains the treatment of choice for selected lesions in young and active patients, especially for young and active patients. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of all-inside sutures in treating meniscus tears in patients over 40., Methods: In our retrospective evaluation, we evaluated the clinical and functional outcomes of cases over 40 years of age with post-traumatic acute meniscus tears that received meniscus repairs using the all-inside technique. The pre-operative and post-operative functionality of treated patients were assessed using the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) score. Major complications were recorded., Results: Twenty-three cases met our inclusion criteria. Eight females and fifteen males with a mean age of 44.9 were included in our study. Their mean follow-up was 35.1 months. Before surgery, our patients' mean KOOS score was 55.4 (18-80). At the patients' latest follow-up, the value had risen to 87.4 (63-100). There was no statistical correlation between patients' age and their functional recovery. No surgical failure was recorded at the latest follow-up., Conclusion: The all-inside suture technique can represent a suitable and reliable solution for suturable meniscal tears, even for patients over 40. Preserving the meniscus and restoring patients' functionality allows patients to return to their daily activities and promote their quality of life., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2024, Ciapini et al.)

Introduction Meniscus tear is a commonly encountered sports-related injury requiring surgical intervention due to knee mobility dysfunction and discomfort. Previously, it has been thought that these are non-functional vestigial structures and they used to be excised commonly. Recent studies have shown that meniscal repair gives superior results when compared with partial meniscectomy. Methods This quasi-experimental study was conducted at the Orthopedics Department, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan. A total of 92 patients of both genders with meniscal injuries were included. Forty-six of them underwent meniscal repair (Group A), and 46 underwent partial meniscectomy (Group B). Functional outcome was noted after 12 weeks and recorded. Results The age range was from 18 to 50 years with a mean of 28.630±6.64 years in Group A and 29.630±8.12 years in Group B. Functional outcome was excellent in 44 (95.7%) patients who underwent meniscal repair as compared to 23 (50%) patients who underwent partial meniscectomy (P= 0.000). Conclusion It is concluded that meniscal repair should be pursued over partial meniscectomy when surgically treating meniscal tears., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2024, Khan et al.)

Background and aim Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries often occur along with menisci tears. ACL reconstruction with meniscectomy has long been the preferred technique for such injuries; however, it has been postulated to increase the chances of osteoarthritis (OA). Therefore, recent techniques have involved preserving menisci while reconstructing ACL to prevent OA and improve overall functional outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the functional outcomes of arthroscopic meniscal repair performed concurrently with ACL reconstruction at six months post-surgery. Methodology We conducted a cross-sectional study at a tertiary care center after getting appropriate ethics committee approval. A total of 67 participants who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled in the study after obtaining informed consent. Their demographics were recorded retrospectively from hospital records, while their Lysholm Knee Score (LKS) responses were collected prospectively during their sixth-month follow-up visit to our department. Analysis was done using Microsoft Excel. Appropriate statistical tests including chi-square, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and independent t-tests were applied to keep an alpha of 0.05. Results We found that the mean age of participants was 35 years. The mean LKS of patients who underwent isolated ACL reconstruction (ACLR) was 86.02 ± 9.38. For those who underwent ACLR plus meniscus repair (MR), the mean LKS was marginally higher at 87.4 ± 7.41 during their sixth-month follow-up, with a P -value of 0.27. Furthermore, the mean LKS of patients who underwent ACLR plus meniscectomy was 86 ± 10.48. Comparing the means of all three groups revealed no statistical difference among any surgical approach with a P -value of 0.69. A total of 33 (49.25%) participants achieved an LKS falling within the Good  category (84-94). Comparing between three surgical groups and their LKS categories also revealed no statistical difference with a P -value of 0.7. Conclusions Short-term functional outcomes in patients undergoing ACLR or ACLR plus MR using patient-reported knee scores like LKS demonstrate favorable outcomes but fail to demonstrate statistical significance. On a longer follow-up period, a reduction in the prevalence of OA is a possibility with the preservation of menisci; however, conflicting evidence in the literature about the approach to ACL injuries with menisci involvement warrants large-scale randomized controlled trials to decide upon the standard of care., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2024, Soni et al.)