[Can meniscal suture repair in athletes prevent early development of osteoarthritis without compromising the preinjury sports activity level].
In a retrospective study we evaluated the outcome of arthroscopic assisted meniscal repair in athletes on different competitive sports levels. Examination included early osteoarthritic changes and full recovery in sports activities. Fifty athletes were followed up with an average of 6,5 years after meniscal refixation from 1984 through 1998. Twenty-three patients had isolated full-thickness meniscal tears, twenty-seven an associated rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament. Preoperative sports levels were evaluated with Tegners score. Reexamination included Lysholm score, IKDC score and Fairbanks score. With no persisting anterior knee instability 86 % of the professional athletes returned to former full sports activities on competitive levels. Noncompetitive athletes returned in all cases (100 %) to their former level. Fairbanks score increased by 0,1 observing minimal osteoarthitic signs. However, persisting anterior knee instability showed on reexamination poor results. Only one third of all athletes were able to return to former activity levels. Osteoarthritic changes were observed in all patients. Professional athletes had the most severe osteoarthritic changes with an increase of 0,8 in the Fairbanks score. The results demonstrate that complete recovery on sports activities is not possible without reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament. Isolated meniscal repair shows poor results in persisting anterior knee instability and does not prevent increasing osteoarthritic changes in athletes.
Jäger
A
A
Orthopädische Universitätsklinik "Friedrichsheim"; Frankfurt, Main, Germany. Alwin.Jaeger@t-online.de
Khoudeir
S
S
Braune
C
C
Herresthal
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016118:Anterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000601:surgery; D000070598:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008592:Menisci, Tibial / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D013536:Suture Techniques; D000070600:Tibial Meniscus Injuries