Differences of Meniscal Injuries by Age Groups

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We analyzed and classified the patterns of meniscal injuries by age groups and tried to find the statistical meanings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 217 cases with meniscal injuries of 340 patients who received knee arthroscopy from January 1996 to June 2000. We analyzed the statistical significances of them by age groups and classified injury patterns of site, shape and combined injuries. RESULTS: Medial meniscal injuries, especially in posterior horn, were more common, and degenerative tears have higher incidence in elderly groups. In younger groups, longitudinal and flap tears were more common. More prevalent associated injuries were ACL tears in younger groups and loose bodies in elderly groups. CONCLUSION: In knee arthroscopy, to find out the patterns of meniscal injuries by age groups is important to determine the method of treatment and prognosis.