Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
The use of MCL “pie-crusting” (selective release of the superficial MCL) to improve arthroscopic access to the posteromedial compartment of the knee for isolated meniscal surgery has been demonstrated. However, there are concerns that MCL pie-crusting with concomitant ACL reconstruction (ACLR) might affect knee stability and outcomes postoperatively. The aim of this study was to compare the functional outcomes between patients who underwent MCL pie-crusting at ACLR with those that did not.
Methods
We performed a retrospective review of prospectively collected data from on the National Ligament Registry. 55 patients (33 male and 22 female) who had MCL pie-crusting(PC group) to address a meniscal lesion at the time of ACLR were compared with 65 patients (38 male and 27 female) who underwent isolated primary ACLR. All procedures were performed by a single surgeon at a tertiary centre between October 2013 and March 2019.
Results
The mean Follow up was 4.2 years(range 2- 7 years). The mean EQ 5D- VAS scores were 82 and 81 in the PC group and ACLR only group respectively. The mean IKDC scores were 81 and 85 in the PC group and ACLR only group respectively. The mean KOOS scores in the PC group and ACLR only group were: Symptoms (81,87); Pain (89,92); ADLs (94,96), sports and recreation function (81,83), QoL (75,78) respectively. The differences in the scores were not statistically significant.
Conclusions
This study demonstrates that pie-crusting of the MCL at the time of ACLR does not significantly affect the functional outcomes.
