Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate mid-term functional results of the patients who had been treated by arthroscopic meniscal tear repair. METHODS: We evaluated the functional results of 28 patients retrospectively who were treated by arthroscopic meniscal repair with all-inside and inside-out suture technique between January 2011 and March 2013. Twenty-four patients were male (86%) and four patients were female (14%). Meniscus repairs were performed for 16 right knees (%57) and 12 left knees (%43). The average age of the patients was 26 (17-33). We performed anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction at the same operation for 13 patients (46%). Functional results were evaluated by Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale, Modified Cincinnati Score. Measurement of thigh circumference and physical examination was also performed. Results: Average follow-up time was 15 months (6-32). At the time of last examination; Lysholm scores raised meanly 19.2 points and Modified Cincinnati Scores raised meanly 2.4 points in contrast to preoperative evaluation. Thigh atrophy was lessened meanly one centimeter. All of these differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). McMurray and Apley tests were positive for two patients (7.1%) at the time of the last physical examination. Knee magnetic resonance imaging was performed for these two patients and it was seen that meniscal tears had not been healed and also it was seen that teared meniscus was displaced. After that arthroscopic partial meniscectomy was performed. We didn't see any other complications at the follow-up of remaining patients. Arthroscopic meniscus repair is an effective treatment method especially for young patients who have meniscus tears in red-red and red-white zone. We suggest that, arthroscopic meniscus repair procedures has to be performed widely, after reporting the successful results of mid-term functional results of our patients.

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