Meniscectomy in children: a long-term follow-up study

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Pediatric Sports Medicine
• Biomechanical Analysis

Background:

• Meniscal tears are common in pediatric knee injuries.
• Surgical intervention, including meniscectomy, is frequently performed.
• Long-term outcomes of pediatric meniscectomy require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term clinical outcomes of meniscectomy in children and adolescents.
• To identify factors correlating with unsatisfactory surgical results.
• To assess the impact of meniscectomy on lower extremity muscle function.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 20 pediatric patients undergoing meniscectomy for isolated meniscal tears.
• Exclusion of patients with complex knee injuries or prior surgeries.
• Clinical assessment and lower extremity muscle strength testing (hip abductors) at an average of 5.5-year follow-up.

Main Results:

• 60% of patients reported unsatisfactory clinical outcomes at long-term follow-up.
• No correlation found between outcomes and meniscectomy site, tear type, radiographic severity, or extent of meniscectomy (partial vs. total).
• A statistically significant decrease in hip abductor strength was observed in patients with unsatisfactory results.

Conclusions:

• Meniscectomy in pediatric patients is not a benign procedure with a high rate of unsatisfactory outcomes.
• Impaired hip abductor strength is significantly associated with poor clinical results after pediatric meniscectomy.
• Rehabilitation programs should prioritize restoring hip abductor strength to improve functional outcomes.