Summary

Age may not be a critical factor to consider when applying fixation in medial meniscus posterior root tears.

Abstract

Purpose

This study investigated the outcomes of pullout fixation for medial meniscus posterior root tears (MMPRTs) in patients=60 years old versus patients>60 years old. It was hypothesized that older patients would demonstrate results comparable with those of younger patients.

Methods

Patients with pullout fixation who were followed up for more than five years were included. Patients were categorized into two groups based on age (group A, =60 years; group B, >60 years). The Lysholm score, Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L, 0/1/2/3/4) grade, and medial joint space width were evaluated retrospectively. Preoperative results were compared with the final results in each group, which were compared between groups.

Results

Twenty-five patients in group A (mean age, 54.7±3.8 years) and 22 patients in group B (mean age, 65.6±4.4 years) were recruited. The mean follow-up duration was 70.9 months. The Lysholm score (group A, 53.0±9.1 to 86.0±12.1, P<0.001; group B, 51.1±7.1 to 82.9±9.7, P<0.001) improved significantly. However, the joint space width (group A, 4.7±1.1 to 3.9±1.1 mm, P<0.001; group B, 4.7±0.9 to 3.8±0.9 mm, P<0.001) and K-L grade (group A, 3/17/5/0/0 to 0/7/11/7/0, P<0.001; group B, 2/14/6/0/0 to 0/3/14/5/0, P<0.001) worsened significantly. No significant differences between groups were observed in final outcomes, including Lysholm score (n.s.), K-L grade (n.s.), and joint space narrowing (n.s.). No case with converstion to total knee arthroplasty was observed.

Conclusion

MMPRT fixation did not prevent the progression of arthrosis completely. However, clinical outcomes were not age dependent. Thus, age may not be a critical factor to consider when applying fixation.