2015 ISAKOS Biennial Congress ePoster #1628

Which Patients are Less Likely to Improve During the First Year After Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy? A Multivariate Analysis of 201 Knee Procedures with Prospective Follow-Up

Barak Haviv, MD, Ramat-Hasharon ISRAEL
Shlomo Bronak, MD, Tel Aviv ISRAEL
Rafael Thein, MD, Rehovot, Neve Amit ISRAEL
Arthroscopy and Sports Injury Unit, Hasharon Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, Petach-Tikva, ISRAEL

FDA Status Not Applicable

Summary: This prospective study was design to determine which specific factors influence the improvements in function and pain at the first year following arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. Female gender, lateral meniscal tear and less favorable preoperative function were relatively correlated to worse postoperative function and longer rehabilitation time.

Abstract:

Purpose

To determine what specific factors influence the improvements in function and pain at the first year following arthroscopic partial meniscectomy.

Methods

Between 2012 and 2013, patients who had arthroscopic partial meniscectomy were included (n=201) and followed prospectively before surgery and at twelve months. Multivariable stepwise analysis included preoperative variables (age, gender, limb side, height, weight, body mass index, comorbidities, smoking, Tegner activity scale, Lysholm knee score, preceding injury, duration of preoperative symptoms) and arthroscopic findings (degree of cartilage lesions, medial or lateral meniscus involvement, type of meniscal tear, concomitant cruciate tear). The Lysholm clinical score at the last follow-up and the time interval for substantial pain relief were modeled as a function of the above predictor variables.

Results

At the last follow-up the mean Lysholm score improved by 14.6 points (95% confidence interval, 10.4-18.8, P < 0.001), from 68.0±16.1 to 82.6±19.6 points and 153 (76%) patients declared they were satisfied to have had the operation. The mean time interval for substantial pain relief was 3.5±1.5 months. Females and patients with lower preoperative Lysholm score were correlated with lower postoperative Lysholm score, while females and patients with lateral meniscal tears (compared to medial meniscal tears) were correlated with longer recovery.

Conclusions

Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy improved pain and function at the first year postoperatively. Female gender, lateral meniscal tear and less favorable preoperative function were relatively correlated to worse postoperative function and longer rehabilitation time.