Root avulsion and para-root tear of the posterolateral meniscus: repair versus untreated

BackhroundsThis study aimed to assess the outcomes of repairing posterolateral meniscal (PLM)root avulsion and para-root tear in association with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)reconstruction and compare with those whose PLM tear was left untreated.MethodsPatients with PLM root avulsion or para-root tear accompanying ACL tear were evaluatedfor eligibility. Group A was composed of patients whose ACL tears were reconstructedwithout any lateral meniscal repair (33 patients) from 2009-2006. From 2012-2009,patients had ACL reconstruction and additional PLM repair (group B: 40 patients). Bothgroups were evaluated for knee stability (Lachman test), return to previous level ofsports activity, subjective International Knee Documentation Committee form (S-IKDC)and Lysholm knee scores (LKS).ResultsFunctional results (IKDS and LKS) at 12 and -24month follow-up were similar betweenthe two groups (all P> 0.05). Eight patients (%24) in group A, and two patients (%5) ingroup B were unable to achieve the previous sports activity level (P=0.036). Returnto previous sports activity level was significantly better in group B. Short-term (34.5mo) and mid-term (73.5 mo) functional results of group A patients were compared,and it was demonstrated that IKDC (4± 84.5) and LKS (3± 87.7) scores were decreased significantly (P<0.0001).ConclusionsFunctional outcomes of repairing PLM root avulsion and pararoot tear with thosewhose PLM tear was left untreated are similar in short-term follow-up; however, as thetime passes, the sports activity level and mid-term subjective outcomes may worsen inpatients whose PLM tear was left untreated.