Differences Between Traumatic and Degenerative Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Tears: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Knee Biomechanics

Background:

• Intact meniscus roots are crucial for normal knee function and load distribution.
• Medial meniscus posterior root tears (MMPRTs) disrupt meniscal integrity, potentially leading to osteoarthritis.
• While often degenerative, some MMPRTs result from acute traumatic injuries in healthy menisci.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize a specific subpopulation of patients who sustain traumatic MMPRTs.
• To differentiate traumatic MMPRTs from those with degenerative origins.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review of the Web of Science database was conducted using the term "medial root tear."
• Articles focusing on degenerative MMPRTs were excluded.
• Data on patient demographics, injury mechanisms, and concomitant injuries were extracted from 25 articles detailing 113 traumatic MMPRT cases.

Main Results:

• The review identified 113 patients with traumatic MMPRTs, with a mean age of 27.1 years and 64% males.
• A significant proportion of patients (68%) experienced concomitant injuries alongside their traumatic MMPRT.
• This cohort exhibits distinct characteristics compared to previously studied MMPRT populations.

Conclusions:

• The findings support the existence of a unique subgroup of patients with acute traumatic MMPRTs.
• This subgroup is characterized by specific patient demographics, injury mechanisms, and associated injuries.
• Understanding these unique features is vital for accurate diagnosis and treatment of traumatic MMPRTs.