Predictors of Postoperative Outcomes after Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy: A Retrospective Analysis

Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy is a widely used surgical technique for treating meniscus injuries, while individual differences in postoperative outcomes remain a significant concern. This retrospective study aimed to identify the factors influencing clinical outcomes following arthroscopic partial meniscectomy.

We retrospectively examined the clinical data of 52 patients who underwent arthroscopic partial meniscectomy at our institution from January to May 2022. Observation indicators, including gender, age, type of medical insurance, various surgeons, the self-pay portion of hospital costs, and total hospital costs, were systematically recorded. Subjective symptoms were evaluated with ΔTenger, ΔLysholm, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores during follow-up. The trends of the above questionnaires and potential predictors were statistically evaluated through regression analysis.

Binary logistic analysis revealed that female patients (OR: 32.42; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.22, 473.86) and higher preoperative visual analog scale (VAS) (odds ratio [OR]: 3.58; 95% CI: 1.55, 8.28) were significantly associated with FP Lysholm score. Similarly, patients with elevated preoperative VAS (OR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.01, 2.15) were significantly more likely to have FP IKDC scores. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that traumatic meniscus tear (β = -0.324; 95% CI: -0.948, -0.036; p = 0.035) emerged as a negative independent predictor of ΔTegner, while higher preoperative VAS scores (β = 0.330; 95% CI: 0.013, 0.217; p = 0.028) were identified as positive independent predictors of ΔTegner. The duration of symptoms (β = -0.327; 95% CI: -0.010, -0.001; p = 0.023) had a negative impact on the ΔLysholm scores. Factors such as body mass index (BMI) (β = -0.250; 95% CI: -1.000, -0.020; p = 0.042), duration of symptoms (β = -0.302; 95% CI: -0.009, -0.001; p = 0.014), and preoperative VAS (β = -0.332; 95% CI: -1.813, -0.250; p = 0.011) were negatively associated with ΔIKDC scores.

The study offers insights into multiple factors for patient outcomes after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. Orthopedic surgeons need to consider variables such as gender, BMI, duration of symptoms, preoperative VAS, and the traumatic/degenerative types of meniscal tears to optimize postoperative outcomes.