2015 ISAKOS Biennial Congress ePoster #1611

Does Open Total Meniscectomy Affect Coronal Knee Alignment 40 Years Post Operatively?

Ioannis Pengas, MBChB, MRCS, MPhil, MD, FRCS (T&O), Truro, Cornwall UNITED KINGDOM
William Nash, MBBS BEng MRCS, London, - None - UNITED KINGDOM
Angelos Assiotis, SHO, London UNITED KINGDOM
Michael J. McNicholas, BSc, MD, FRCS Tr & Orth, Manchester, Lancashire UNITED KINGDOM

Tayside Univeristy Hospitals, Tayside, UNITED KINGDOM

FDA Status Not Applicable

Summary: total meniscectomy affects leg alignment in the long term

Rate:

Abstract:

Aim

To assess coronal knee alignment in relation to other variables 40 years after total open meniscectomy in adolescent patients.

Introduction

Alteration in knee biomechanics induced by meniscectomy and increase contact forces on the affected side of the joint are presumed to cause change in limb alignment.

Methods

Thirty eight knees (30 patients) which underwent total open meniscectomy by a single surgeon were assessed on standardised AP weight bearing radiographs and their valgus angle, as well as deviation from ‘physiological valgus angle’ (magnitude of malalignment), was recorded. These values were analysed as per site of meniscectomy for correlations with body mass index (BMI), range of motion, IKDC, KOOS, Ahlback and KL.

Results

Tibiofemoral angle was significantly more varus for the medial meniscectomy (MM) patients. Magnitude of malalignment (in either direction) was higher for MM patients. While range of flexion was lower for those patients who underwent medial and lateral meniscectomies of the same knee (MLM). The patients who underwent any meniscectomy of both knees had worse scores for IKDC and KOOS quality of life. Both tibiofemoral angle, magnitude of malalignment and range of flexion correlated strongly with Ahlback and KL scores.

Conclusion

Meniscectomy induced malalignment relates to site of meniscectomy. Radiographic degree of osteoarthritis correlates with malalignment and range of motion.