Preoperative Meniscal Extrusion Predicts Unsatisfactory Clinical Outcomes and Progression of Osteoarthritis after Isolated Partial Medial Meniscectomy: A 5-Year Follow-Up Study.

The objective of this study was to examine the association between preoperative meniscal extrusion of patients undergoing partial medial meniscectomy with clinical outcomes and progression of osteoarthritis and to determine the extent of meniscal extrusion associated with unsatisfactory clinical outcomes and progression of osteoarthritis. Ninety-five patients who underwent partial medial meniscectomy with a minimum follow-up of 5 years were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative meniscal extrusion was evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging. Patients were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively with Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective scores for clinical outcomes and with IKDC radiographic scale for osteoarthritis. An ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) was used to analyze the variations in meniscal extrusion and the clinical and radiological outcomes. A regression analysis was performed to identify factors that affect preoperative medial meniscus extrusion and that influence results after partial meniscectomy. An optimal cutoff value for meniscal extrusion associated with unsatisfactory clinical outcomes and progression of osteoarthritis was established. Significance was set at p < 0.05. The mean ± SD preoperative and postoperative Lysholm scores were 59.6 ± 15.5 versus 83.8 ± 13.1 (p < 0.001) and the mean preoperative and postoperative IKDC subjective scores were 59.4 ± 16.8 versus 82.0 ± 15.8 (p < 0.001). Meniscal extrusion greater than 2.2 mm (sensitivity, 84%; specificity, 81%) and 2.8 mm (sensitivity, 73%; specificity, 85%) was associated with unsatisfactory (poor/fair) Lysholm and IKDC subjective scores, respectively. The progression of osteoarthritis, characterized as a change of at least one category on the IKDC radiographic scale, occurred when meniscal extrusion was greater than 2.2 mm (sensitivity, 63%; specificity, 75%). Patients with higher body mass index (BMI) had significantly greater meniscal extrusion that patients with normal BMI (p < 0.001). The medial meniscus was more extruded in patients with horizontal and root tears. In conclusion, patients with preoperative meniscal extrusion of 2.2 mm or greater had unsatisfactory clinical outcomes and progression of osteoarthritis after partial medial meniscectomy at a minimum of 5 years follow-up. Higher BMI and horizontal and root tears were associated with greater preoperative meniscal extrusion.

Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction: A Longitudinal Study Comparison of 2 Techniques with 2 and 5-Years Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare the results of two popular surgical techniques for medial patellofemoral ligament MPFL reconstruction with a minimum of two-year follow-up. METHODS: Fifty-eight patients with traumatic tear of the medial patellofemoral ligament were included in one of the two surgical groups. Group 1 MPFLs were reconstructed through graft endobutton fixation and Group 2 through graft anchor fixation into the patella. After two to five-year follow-up, patients were asked to answer knee function questionnaires (Fulkerson and Kujala) as well as the SF-36 life quality score. RESULTS: There were no statistical difference among postoperative Kujala, Fulkerson, and SF-36 questionnaires scores between Groups 1 and 2. There were statistical significant differences favorable to patients in Group 1 with a shorter follow-up length (2-5 years) compared to those with a longer period of 5-10 years for both Kujala and Fulkerson scores and no difference for group 2. CONCLUSION: Both medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction techniques had similar results in a two to ten-year follow-up according to functions and life quality questionnaires. Furthermore, endobutton fixation for the patellar edge of the graft had better results in patients with 2 years of follow-up than those with 5 years. Gender was not significant for surgical results. Moreover, group 1 patients had higher number of complications.