Hypermobile lateral meniscus: A systematic review of current treatment options

The reliable data on the incidence of hypermobile lateral meniscus (HLM) and its clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods and therapeutic approaches are limited. This systematic study aimed to review available treatment options for HLM and the outcomes of each approach.

A systematic search was performed in four electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science) to identify studies in which arthroscopically confirmed cases of HLM were treated surgically or nonsurgically, and the required data comprising study characteristics, patient data, treatment approaches and outcome measures were extracted from eligible studies.

Twenty studies with a total of 212 patients (138 males and 74 females) and 219 knees were included. The most frequently reported symptoms were locking sensations, knee pain, giving way and snapping. Treatments used by the studies were: radiofrequency energy in two studies; arthroscopic partial meniscectomy in one study; open surgery in two studies; and arthroscopic meniscal repair in 17 studies. Eleven studies used an all-inside repair method and an inside-out meniscal repair was reported in eight studies. Three studies reported the usage of posterior arthroscopy for therapeutic or diagnostic approaches. Evaluation of symptom resolution was the main outcome measurement for which almost all of the studies stated relief of symptoms after intervention.

Despite the lack of definite consensus about the most appropriate intervention for HLM, therapeutic preference was directed towards arthroscopic all-inside and inside-out repair techniques. Although the surgeon's decision remains the key factor in choosing the most suitable treatment option for each individual, posterior arthroscopic meniscal repair may be considered as a better option for HLM treatment according to the findings of this review.

Level IV.