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Magnetic Resonance Imaging is not suitable for interpretation of meniscal status ten years after arthroscopic repair

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess the MRI features of the all-inside repaired meniscus in the long-term.

Methods

Among 27 consecutive all-inside arthroscopic meniscal repairs, 23 patients aged 25 ± 5 years at the time of surgery were reviewed at a median follow-up of 10 ± 1 years. Retrospective clinical examinations and imaging assessments using a 1.5-T MRI after all-inside arthroscopic meniscal repair were conducted.

Results

At follow-up, Lysholm and IKDC averaged 89 ± 11 and 95 ± 8, respectively. MRI examinations revealed no meniscal signal alteration in three patients (13 %), a vertical signal located in the previously torn area in seven (30 %), a horizontal grade 3 in nine (39 %), and a complex tear (grade 4) in four (17.5 %). There were no differences between medial and lateral menisci (p = 0.15), stable and stabilised knees (p = 0.56).

Conclusions

Several abnormal vertical and/or horizontal hypersignals are still present on MRI examination ten years after arthroscopic all-inside meniscal repair. The appearance of early signs of osteoarthritis is rare, suggesting a chondroprotective effect of the repaired meniscus.

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Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Orthopaedic Department, Centre Hospitalier de Versailles, Le Chesnay, France

    Nicolas Pujol, Nicolas Tardy, Philippe Boisrenoult & Philippe Beaufils

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  1. Nicolas Pujol
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  2. Nicolas Tardy
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  3. Philippe Boisrenoult
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  4. Philippe Beaufils
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Correspondence to Nicolas Pujol.

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Pujol, N., Tardy, N., Boisrenoult, P. et al. Magnetic Resonance Imaging is not suitable for interpretation of meniscal status ten years after arthroscopic repair. International Orthopaedics (SICOT) 37, 2371–2376 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-013-2039-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-013-2039-6

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