[Treatment of incomplete meniscal lesions in athletes].
OBJECTIVE
Arthroscopic treatment of complete meniscal lesions is well established. Nevertheless there is discussion, how to treat incomplete meniscal tears, especially in younger and active patients. This study was designed to evaluate our standard-therapy without refixation of the meniscus.


METHODS
Between 7/89 and 3/01 in 47 patients (48 knees, Ø age 29 years) an incomplete meniscal lesion following sports injury was found. The lesions were revitalized by "needling" or shaving. We performed no refixation. All patients had a postoperative flexion limit in an orthosis for 6 weeks. The follow-up examination was performed 6.5 (2 - 14) years postoperative.


RESULTS
The avarage Lysholm-Score increased significantly from 55 points preoperative to 92 points at the follow-up examination. The Tegner-Score increased from 3.3 points preoperative to 6.2 points at the follow-up examination. The overall result was rated "exellent" and "good" by 83 % of the patients, "fair" by 15 % of the patients and "poor" by 2 % of the patients. Return to sports activity was possible at an avarage of 7 (3 - 12) months postoperative.


CONCLUSIONS
In summary we found, that shaving and "needling" of an incomplete meniscal lesion in combination with partial synovectomi and standardized postoperative treatment leads to a high healing rate. A limited flexion for 6 weeks postoperativ in an orthosis at full weight bearing is recommended. In case of complete healing of the lesion the chondroprotective and joint stabilizing function of the meniscus, especially in young and active patients is obtained.
Börner
C E
CE
Klinik II im Annastift e. V., Leiter: Prof. Dr. C. J. Wirth, Orthopädische Klinik der Medizinischen Hochschule Hannover. boerner@annastift.de
Rühmann
O
O
Hehl
S
S
Wirth
C J
CJ
Bohnsack
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008592:Menisci, Tibial / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D011379:Prognosis; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012421:Rupture / Q000601:surgery; D000070600:Tibial Meniscus Injuries; D016896:Treatment Outcome