ObjectiveTo review the research progress on the lower limb biomechanical characteristics of patients with discoid lateral meniscus (DLM) injury after surgery. MethodsBy searching relevant domestic and international research literature on DLM, the postoperative characteristics of knee joint movement biomechanics, tibiofemoral joint stress distribution, lower extremity force line, and patellofemoral joint changes in patients with DLM injury were summarized. ResultsSurgical treatment can lead to varying degrees of changes in the lower limb biomechanical characteristics of patients with DLM injury. Specifically, the kinematic biomechanics of the knee joint can significantly improve, but there are still problems such as extension deficits in the affected knee joint. The peak stress of the tibiofemoral joint decreases with the increase of the residual meniscus volume, and the degree of change is closely related to the residual meniscus volume. Preserving a larger volume of the meniscus, especially the anterior horn volume, helps to reduce stress concentration. The lower extremity force line will deviate outward after surgery, and the more meniscus is removed during surgery, the greater the change in the lower extremity force line after surgery. There are conditions such as cartilage degeneration, position and angle changes in the patellofemoral joint after surgery. ConclusionThe changes in the lower limb biomechanical characteristics after DLM injury are closely related to the choice of surgical methods and rehabilitation programs. However, the mechanisms of biomechanical changes in multiple lower limb joints and individual differences still need to be further studied and clarified.
ObjectiveTo compare the mid-term effectiveness of arthroscopy versus conservative treatment on symptomatic discoid lateral meniscus (SDLM) in middle-aged and elderly patients. Methods The clinical data of 118 middle-aged and elderly patients (154 knees) with SDLM who received arthroscopy or conservative treatment between June 2014 and May 2016 were retrospectively analyzed, including 76 patients (96 knees) in the arthroscopy group (group A) and 42 patients (58 knees) in the conservative treatment group (group B). There was no significant difference in age, gender, and body mass index between the two groups (P>0.05). Compared with group B, the symptoms duration in group A was longer, the incidences of discoid lateral meniscus injury and mechanical symptoms were higher, and the visual analogue scale (VAS) score and Lysholm score before treatment were worse, with significant differences (P<0.05). VAS score and Lysholm score before and after treatment were recorded and compared. ResultsThe patients in both groups were followed up 60-74 months, with an average of 66.3 months. The follow-up time of group A and group B was (65.9±3.5) months and (67.0±4.0) months respectively, with no significant difference (t=–1.615, P=0.109). At last follow-up, in either group A or group B, the VAS score and Lysholm score significantly improved when compared with those before treatment (P<0.05). The differences of VAS score and Lysholm score in group A before and after treatment were significantly better than those in group B (P<0.05). ConclusionArthroscopy and conservative treatment have a satisfactory mid-term effectiveness on SDLM in middle-aged and elderly patients. However, the improvement of symptoms and function of arthroscopy was significantly better than that of conservative treatment. For middle-aged and elderly SDLM patients with invalidated conventional treatment for 6 months, severe clinical symptoms, long duration of symptoms, and combined with mechanical symptoms, arthroscopy should be given priority even if they are complicated with early osteoarthritis.
Objective To observe the outcome of arthroscopic meniscal plasty and suture repair to treat torn discoid lateral meniscus involving popl iteal hiatus. Methods Between January 2008 and May 2009, 21 cases of torn discoid lateral meniscus involving popl iteal hiatus were treated by arthroscopic surgery. There were 9 males and 12 females with an average ageof 22.5 years (range, 12-45 years), including 12 left knees and 9 right knees. Seven cases had the history of injury and other 14 cases had uncertain trauma. The average disease duration was 6.4 months (range, 3 months to 2 years). All patients complained knee pain or locking with positive McMurray test and mill ing test before surgery. All cases had torn discoid lateral meniscus, and the tear extended to the popl iteal hiatus, including 17 cases of complete type and 4 cases of incomplete type according to the Watanabe classification. After meniscal plasty, suture repair of torn popl iteal lateral hiatus was performed. The anterior part to hiatus was repaired by the outside-in technique, and the posterior part underwent repair of all inside technique by FasTFix. Results All wounds healed by first intention with no compl ications such as infection, stiffness of knee, or injury of common peroneal nerve. All patients were followed up 12-28 months with an average of 18 months. The symptoms of knee pain or locking disappeared postoperatively with negative McMurray test and mill ing test in all patients. The Lysholm score was improved from 54.0 ± 13.4 to 90.0 ± 6.6 at 12 months postoperatively, showing significant difference (t=— 12.00, P=0.00). Based on the improved Lysholm classification standard, the results were excellent in 14 cases, good in 5, and fair in 2; the excellent and good rate was 90.5%. Conclusion For torn discoid lateral meniscus involving popl iteal hiatus, based on meniscal plasty, suture repair of the popl iteal hiatus would contribute to preserve the peripheral part and restore its stabil ity.
Objective To measure and analyze the relationships among the posterior tibial slope (PTS), meniscal slope (MS), and meniscus posterior horn thickness (MPHT) of the medial and lateral tibial plateau in healthy people and patients with anteromedial osteoarthritis (AMOA) in Heilongjiang province, so as to provide reference basis for appropriate tibial osteotomy and prosthesis placement angles in knee joint surgeries. Methods A retrospective collection of imaging data from knee joint MRI examinations conducted prior to AMOA for various reasons was performed. A total of 103 healthy individuals (healthy group) and 30 AMOA patients (AMOA group) were included. There was no significant difference in the gender composition ratio, side, and body mass index between the two groups (P>0.05); however, the comparison of ages between the two groups showed a significant difference (P<0.05). The collected DICOM format image data was imported into the RadiAnt DICOM Viewer software and measured the medial PTS (MPTS), lateral PTS (LPTS), medial MS (MMS), lateral MS (LMS), medial MPHT (MMPHT), and lateral MPHT (LMPHT) with standard methods. The differences of the above indexes between the two groups and between different genders and sides in the two groups were compared, and Pearson correlation analysis was carried out. At the same time, the measured data of healthy group were compared with the relevant literature reported in the past. Results Compared to the healthy group, the AMOA group exhibited significantly smaller MPTS and LPTS, as well as significantly greater MMPHT and LMPHT, with significant differences (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the MMS and LMS between the two groups (P>0.05). The differences in various indicators between genders and sides within the two groups were not significant (P>0.05). The correlation analysis and regression curves indicated that both MPTS and LPTS in the two groups were positively correlated with their respective ipsilateral MS and MPHT (P<0.05); as PTS increased, the rate of increase in MS and MPHT tend to plateau. Compared to previous related studies, the MPTS and LPTS measured in healthy group were comparable to those of the Turkish population, exhibiting smaller values than those reported in other studies, while MMS and LMS were relatively larger, and MMPHT and LMPHT were smaller. ConclusionIn healthy people and AMOA patients in Heilongjiang province, PTS has great individual differences, but there is no significant individual difference in MS. MPHT can play a certain role in retroversion compensation, and its thickness increase may be used as one of the indicators to predict the progression of AMOA. The above factors should be taken into account when UKA is performed, and the posterior tilt angle of tibial osteotomy should be set reasonably after preoperative examination and evaluation.
Objective To evaluate the surgical technique and effectiveness of arthroscopic treatment for lateral discoid meniscus injury. Methods Between January 2010 and May 2011, 38 patients (42 knees) with lateral discoid meniscus injuries underwent arthroscopic treatment. There were 23 males (24 knees) and 15 females (18 knees), aged 7-62 years (median, 32.8 years). The disease duration was 7 days to 40 years (median, 8.6 months). According to Watanabe’s classification of discoid meniscus, 22 knees were classified as complete type, 19 knees as incomplete type, and 1 knee as Wrisberg type. Meniscus plasty combined with suture was performed in 25 patients (28 knees), partial meniscectomy in 12 patients (13 knees), and complete meniscectomy in 1 patient (1 knee). After operation, the rehabilitation training programs (including straight-leg-raising exercise and range of motion exercise) were carried out. Results All incisions healed primarily. The patients basically had normal activities after 3-4 weeks. All the patient were followed up 12-18 months (mean, 14.3 months). No joint locked or clicking symptom occurred; no tear or revision was noted during follow-up. At 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after operation, the range of flexion and extension were significantly improved when compared with ones at preoperation (P lt; 0.05). Based on Ikeuchi’s grading, the results were excellent in 22 knees, good in 16 knees, and fair in 4 knees with an excellent and good rate of 90.4%. The Lysholm score was significantly increased to 88.57 ± 2.95 at immediate, 91.02 ± 4.17 at 3 months, 92.90 ± 3.36 at 6 months, and 94.74 ± 3.52 at 12 months after operation from 69.38 ± 4.59 before operation (P lt; 0.05). C onclusion Treatment of lateral discoid meniscus injury under arthroscopy has the advantages of minor trauma, precise resection or repair meniscus, preservation of more meniscus function, and low incidence of osteoarthritis. If the operation is combined with standard rehabilitation training, the short-term effectiveness can be enhanced.
Objective To review the research progress of meniscus repair in recent years, in order to provide help for the clinical decision-making of meniscus injury treatment. Methods The domestic and foreign literature related to meniscal repair in recent years was extensively reviewed to summarize the reasons for the prevalence of meniscal repair, surgical indications, various repair methods and long-term effectiveness, the need to deal with mechanical structural abnormalities, biological enhancement repair technology, rehabilitation treatment, and so on. Results In order to delay the occurrence of osteoarthritis, the best treatment of meniscus has undergone an important change from partial meniscectomy to meniscal repair, and the indications for meniscal repair have been expanding. The mid- and long-term effectiveness of different meniscal repair methods are ideal. During meniscus repair, the abnormality of lower limb force line and meniscus protrusion should be corrected at the same time. There are controversies about the biological enhancement technology to promote meniscus healing and rehabilitation programs, which need further study. ConclusionMeniscal repair can restore the normal mechanical conduction of lower limbs and reduce the incidence of traumatic osteoarthritis, but the poor blood supply and healing ability of meniscal tissue bring difficulties to meniscal repair. Further development of new biological enhanced repair technology and individualized rehabilitation program and verification of its effectiveness will be an important research direction.
ObjectiveTo compare the short-term effectiveness of suture hook suture via double posteromedial approaches and Fast-Fix total internal suture in treatment of Ramp lesions. Methods A clinical data of 56 patients with anterior cruciate ligament rupture combined with Ramp lesions, who met the selection criteria and admitted between December 2021 and February 2023, was retrospectively analyzed. The Ramp lesions were sutured using suture hook via double posteromedial approaches under arthroscopy in 28 cases (group A) and treated with Fast-Fix total internal suture under arthroscopy in 28 cases (group B). There was no significant difference in age, gender, cause of injury, type of injury, time from injury to operation, side of injury, body mass index, and preoperative Lysholm score, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and Tegner score between the two groups (P>0.05). The patients were followed up regularly after operation, and the clinical and imaging healing of the Ramp lesion was evaluated according to the Barrett clinical healing standard and the MRI evaluation standard. Lysholm score, VAS score, and Tegner score were used to evaluate the function and pain degree of knee joint, and the results were compared with those before operation. ResultsThe incisions of the two groups healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 12-18 months (mean, 14.9 months). Postoperative McMurray tests were negative in both groups. The clinical healing rates of group A and group B were 71.4% (20/28) and 64.3% (18/28) at 6 months after operation, and 92.9% (26/28) and 82.1% (23/28) at 12 months after operation, respectively. The differences between the two groups was not significant (χ2=0.327, P=0.567; χ2=0.469, P=0.225). There was no significant difference in Lysholm score, VAS score, and Tegner score between the two groups at each time point after operation (P>0.05). The postoperative scores in the two groups significantly improved when compared with those before operation, and the scores at 12 months after operation further improved when compared with those at 6 months after operation, showing significant differences between the different time points in the two groups (P<0.05). At last follow-up, MRI examination of the knee joint showed that there were 26 (92.9%), 2 (7.1%), and 0 (0) cases of complete healing, partial healing, and nonunion in the Ramp lesion of group A, and 25 (89.3%), 1 (3.6%), and 2 (7.1%) cases in group B, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups (Z=?0.530, P=0.596). ConclusionSuture hook suture via double posteromedial approaches and Fast-Fix total internal suture under arthroscopy are safe and reliable in the treatment of Ramp lesion, and the knee joint function significantly improves after operation.
Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of arthroscopic simultaneous both anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and suture of the meniscus bucket-handle tear (BHT). Methods Between January 2013 and April 2014, 22 patients (22 knees) with ACL injury and BHT, who accorded with the inclusion criteria, were studied. There were 14 males and 8 females with a mean age of 30.68 years (range, 15-44 years). The left side was involved in 10 cases and the right side in 12 cases. Injury located at the medial meniscus in 14 patients, and at the lateral meniscus in 8 patients. The median of interval from injury to operation was 40 days (range, 9 hours to 4 years). BHT was sutured, and then single bundle reconstruction of ACL was performed under arthroscopy. Results All incisions healed by first intention, and there were no serious complications such as infection, vascular injury, and nerve injury. The patients were followed up for 26.7 months on average (range, 12-42 months). At 6 weeks after operation, one patient had limited motion of the knee, the function was recovered after release under anesthesia; and one patient had joint space tenderness, which was relieved after conservative treatment. The total effective rate was 90.9% (20/22). At last follow-up, the anterior drawer test, Lachman test, and McMurray test were negative in all the cases. The visual analogue scale (VAS), Tegner activity level score, and Lysholm score were significantly improved at 12 months after operation when compared with preoperative scores (P<0.05). At 6-12 months after operation, complete healing was obtained in 7 cases, and partial healing in 11 cases, and nonunion in 4 cases based on MRI evaluation criteria by Crueset al. There was no rupture of reconstruc-tive ligament during follow-up. Conclusion Arthroscopic simultaneous both ACL reconstruction and suture of BHT can improve the symptoms, reduce the risk of re-tear of sutured meniscus effectively, delay degeneration of articular cartilage, and maintain the stability of the knee joint.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of arthroscopic multi-point fixation with anchor and suture in the treatment of tibial insertion avulsion fracture of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) involving the anterior root of lateral meniscus (LM). Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 28 patients with tibial insertion avulsion fracture of ACL involving the anterior root of LM who were treated with arthroscopic multi-point fixation with anchor and suture between October 2017 and January 2023. There were 12 males and 16 females with the mean age of 26 years (range, 13-57 years). There were 20 cases of sports injury and 8 cases of traffic accident injury. In 2 cases of old fracture, the time from injury to operation was 45 days and 90 days, respectively; in 26 cases of fresh fracture, the time from injury to operation was 3-20 days (mean, 6.7 days). According to the Meyers-McKeever classification, there were 4 cases of type Ⅱ, 11 cases of type Ⅲ, and 13 cases of type Ⅳ. The preoperative Lysholm knee function score was 42.1±9.0, the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score was 40.0±7.3, and the Tegner score was 0.7±0.7. ResultsAll operations were successfully completed, and the incisions healed by first intention. All the 28 patients were followed up 5-60 months (mean, 20.4 months). During the follow-up, there was nocomplication such as infection, vascular or nerve injury, loosening or breakage of internal fixator, or stiffness of knee joint. Postoperative X-ray films showed satisfactory fracture reduction and firm fixation. All fractures healed clinically, and the healing time was 8-16 weeks (mean, 10.3 weeks). At last follow-up, Lachman test and anterior drawer test were negative. At last follow-up, Lysholm knee function score was 92.4±5.5, IKDC score was 91.6±4.4, and Tegner score was 5.2±1.1, which significantly improved when compared with preoperative scores (t=?22.899, P<0.001; t=?29.870, P<0.001; t=?19.979, P<0.001). ConclusionMulti-point fixation with anchor and suture in the treatment of tibial insertion avulsion fracture of ACL involving the anterior root of LM can not only fix the LM, but also effectively reduce and fix the avulsion fracture, which can obtain good effectiveness.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of meniscal allograft in treatment of discoid meniscus tear. Methods Between May 2005 and September 2009, 7 cases of discoid meniscus tear were treated with meniscal allograft. There were 2 males and 5 females with an average age of 22.6 years (range, 18-33 years). The locations were the left knee in 5cases and the right knee in 2 cases. The causes were sport trauma in 4 cases, impact injury in 2 cases, and no apparent reason in 1 case. Of them, 7 cases had joint tenderness gap, 2 cases had positive results in floating patella test, 7 cases had positive results in McMurray test, and 6 cases had positive results in squatting test. The range of knee motion was 0-60°. The disease duration ranged from 3 months to 17 years (median, 26 months). Results The number of the pins was 9-13 (mean, 11). The operative time ranged from 1.5 to 2.7 hours (mean, 1.7 hours). The postoperative fever time ranged from 31 to 57 hours (mean, 46.4 hours). Incisions healed by first intention in 6 cases; infection occurred in 1 case after operation and was cured after 18 days of local irrigation with antibiotic sal ine. Seven patients were followed up 21.6 months on average (range, 12-53 months). The range of knee motion was 0-125°. All patients had the negative results of floating patella test, McMurray test, and squatting test. MRI showed that there was a good heal ing between the transplanted meniscus and the surrounding synovium. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score was 80.71 ± 4.82 at 6 months after operation, showing significant difference (t=10.11, P=0.00) when compared with the score (41.71 ± 8.07) before operation. Conclusion Meniscal allograft in treatment of discoid meniscus tear is a rel iable and effective method, which can ease knee pain.