Predictors of graft signal-to-noise ratio after medial meniscus reconstruction using tendon autograft

Although meniscus reconstruction using tendon autograft is a promising technique, its indications, contraindications, optimal surgical technique, and outcomes remain unclear. This study aimed to identify predictors of graft signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) on magnetic resonance images after medial meniscus reconstruction using tendon autograft. This study selected 11 patients (36.000 ± 4.733 years; 7 men and 4 women) who underwent medial meniscus reconstruction using tendon autograft. Correlation and regression analyses were used to evaluate the associations between the graft SNRs and potential factors. The midbody SNR at 1 year postoperatively was correlated with the body mass index (P = .013) and bilateral hip-knee-ankle angle difference (P = .026). The anterior horn SNR at 1 year postoperatively was significantly correlated with the absolute joint space width (P = .003) and remaining anterior horn cross-sectional area (P = .012). The posterior horn SNR at 1 year postoperatively was significantly correlated with the absolute joint space width (P = .042). The anterior intratunnel SNR at 1 year postoperatively was significantly correlated with the Kellgren-Lawrence grade (P = .006), hip-knee-ankle angle (P = .030), bilateral hip-knee-ankle angle difference (P < .001), relative joint space width (P = .037), and bilateral medial edge incline angle difference (P = .031). The posterior intratunnel SNR at 1 year postoperatively was significantly correlated with the Kellgren-Lawrence grade (P = .019), hip-knee-ankle angle (P = .039), bilateral hip-knee-ankle angle difference (P = .001), relative joint space width (P = .034), and bilateral medial edge incline angle difference (P = .011). The mean SNR at 1 year postoperatively was significantly correlated with the Kellgren-Lawrence grade (P = .019), hip-knee-ankle angle (P = .014), bilateral hip-knee-ankle angle difference (P = .005), absolute joint space width (P = .003), relative joint space width (P = .045), and bilateral medial edge incline angle difference (P = .009). The preoperative absolute joint space width, bilateral hip-knee-ankle angle difference, body mass index, and remaining anterior horn cross-sectional area at 1 week postoperatively were significant predictors of graft SNRs at 1 year postoperatively. These preliminary findings on graft remodeling may help to improve patient selection and surgical technique for meniscus reconstruction using tendon autograft.