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Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy for horizontal tear of discoid lateral meniscus
Seong-Il Bin1, Sang-Il Jeong, Jong-Min Kim
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Asan Medical Center, 388-1, Poongnap-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul 138-736, Korea. sibin@www.amc.seoul.kr
Abstract:
A new method of arthroscopic partial meniscectomy for horizontal tear of discoid lateral meniscus was devised to preserve as much meniscal tissue as possible. To evaluate the clinical result of this method for horizontal tear of discoid lateral meniscus, 31 knees (30 patients) were reviewed at an average follow-up of 35 months (range 14-48 months). Horizontally torn discoid lateral menisci were classified as incomplete (11 cases) or complete (20 cases) by the Watanabe classification; no Wrisberg type was noted. Partial meniscectomy was performed in all cases. For the technique of a new method of partial meniscectomy, the unstable leaf of the horizontally torn meniscus was removed to the peripheral rim, but the stable one was preserved and reshaped to produce the similar appearance to the normal lateral meniscus in terms of width and thickness. It was trimmed to have a balanced rim of meniscal tissue about 6-8 mm in width. Meniscal repair was added to partial meniscectomy in one case. All the cases were rated using the Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale and were reviewed to recognize retear clinically. The scores increased after partial meniscectomy by average 20.7 (from 73.0 to 93.7). Recurrence of tear or aggravation of symptoms was not noted at the final follow-up.
Insights
This study introduces a novel arthroscopic partial meniscectomy technique for discoid lateral meniscus horizontal tears, preserving meniscal tissue. The method significantly improved patient knee function scores without retears.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Knee Arthroscopy
- Meniscal Pathology
Background:
- Discoid lateral meniscus can cause horizontal tears, leading to knee pain and dysfunction.
- Traditional treatments may involve significant meniscal tissue removal.
- Preserving meniscal tissue is crucial for long-term knee health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present and evaluate a new arthroscopic partial meniscectomy technique for horizontal tears of the discoid lateral meniscus.
- To assess the clinical outcomes and efficacy of this tissue-preserving approach.
Main Methods:
- A novel arthroscopic partial meniscectomy technique was developed to preserve meniscal tissue.
- Thirty-one knees (30 patients) with horizontally torn discoid lateral menisci underwent the procedure.
- Patients were evaluated using the Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale at an average follow-up of 35 months.
Main Results:
- The mean Lysholm score improved significantly from 73.0 to 93.7 post-procedure (average increase of 20.7).
- The technique involved removing unstable portions while preserving and reshaping stable meniscal tissue.
- No cases of retear or symptom aggravation were observed at the final follow-up.
Conclusions:
- The described arthroscopic partial meniscectomy is an effective technique for treating horizontal tears of the discoid lateral meniscus.
- This method successfully preserves meniscal tissue, leading to excellent clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction.
- The technique offers a viable, tissue-sparing option for managing this specific meniscal tear pattern.