2021 Annual Meeting Knee Access Pass-Investigating the Chronology of Meniscus Root Tears: Do Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Tears Cause Extrusion or the Other Way Around?

Investigating the Chronology of Meniscus Root Tears: Do Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Tears Cause Extrusion or the Other Way Around?

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Video Summary

This study investigated the relationship between the menisciotibial (MT) ligament, medial meniscus extrusion, and medial meniscus posterior root tears (MMPRTs). Analysis of serial MRIs from 26 patients showed that MT ligament disruption and meniscus extrusion consistently preceded root tears, which are biomechanically equivalent to total meniscectomy and lead to osteoarthritis. Extrusion worsened over time, increasing post-tear, and one-third of patients progressed to knee arthroplasty within three years. Findings suggest MT ligament damage and extrusion predispose to MMPRTs and explain why isolated root repair often fails to correct extrusion, highlighting the potential importance of addressing the MT ligament during treatment.

Asset Caption

Dr. Mario Hevesi

Keywords

menisciotibial ligament

medial meniscus extrusion

medial meniscus posterior root tears

MRI analysis

knee osteoarthritis