Arthroscopic Meniscectomy for Medial Meniscus Horizontal Cleavage Tears in Patients under Age 45.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the demographics, clinical features, and outcomes of arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM) for isolated medial meniscus horizontal cleavage tears (MMHCTs) in patients under 45 years of age.


METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed 98 patients (100 knees) under 45 years who underwent APM for MMHCTs. Clinical outcomes were assessed using International Knee Document Committee (IKDC) subjective core, Tegner activity scale, visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, and a question on the symptom relief.


RESULTS
79% were male and 70% had no trauma. The mean symptom duration was 10 months. At arthroscopy, a flap tear was identified in 75%. At a mean of 19-month follow-up, the IKDC subjective score, Tegner activity scale, and VAS pain score were significantly improved compared to the preoperative values (p=0.025, p=0.043, and p=0.032, respectively). While 85% were free of symptoms, 15% had persistent pain. No significant differences in outcomes were observed based on the tear type and the presence of flap tears. No progression or development of radiographic degenerative changes was observed in all knees.


CONCLUSIONS
Demographics of MMHCTs under age 45 showed a male dominance and higher frequency of non-traumatic tears. APM was beneficial to symptomatic HCTs in this cohort during the short-term follow-up. Type of HCTs and combined flap tears did not affect clinical outcomes.
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan, Korea.
Jae Gyoon
JG
Kim
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Seoul Barunsesang Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
Seung-Yup
SY
Lee
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
Suhwoo
S
Chay
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Seoul Barunsesang Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
Hong Chul
HC
Lim
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
Ji-Hoon
JH
Bae
Arthroscopy; Horizontal tear; Knee; Medial meniscus; Meniscectomy