Introduction of an easy-to-operate arthroscopic test in detecting and treatment of meniscal instability: "suction drift" test

To explore the surgical guidance value of "suction drift" in osteoarticular meniscal instability.

The clinical data of 104 patients with significant knee symptoms following surgery were retrospectively analyzed. "Suction drift" was diagnosed in both groups. Depending on the treatment, patients treated with conventional debridement were assigned to group A, and those treated by meniscus suture until the disappearance of the "suction drift" phenomenon were included in group B. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 6 months after surgery. The postoperative Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, Lysholm knee score and the occurrence of meniscus-related symptoms were compared between the two groups.

After puncture, 78 patients (75.0%) had excessive displacement of the meniscus, with 53 (67.9%) of them being followed-up for at least 6 months. Twenty-five patients in group A and twenty-eight in group B were included in the final analysis (The number of patients with "suction drift" in two groups was tested to be comparable, P>0.05). VAS score was significantly decreased and Lysholm knee score was markedly increased in both groups after treatment, with lower VAS score and higher Lysholm knee score in group B compared with group A. In addition, group A had a significantly higher incidence of meniscus-related symptoms (joint space tenderness, joint clicks, and noose sensation) than group B.

"Suction drift" is a quick and easy-to-operate arthroscopic test, which can not only diagnose meniscus instability due to knee osteoarthrosis-induced meniscus degeneration, but also help determine the recovery of meniscus stability after suture, and significantly relieve symptoms.