Arthroscopy is now well established as a method of diagnosing meniscal lesions, and its advantages have been pointed out in several reports. Arthroscopic surgery, however, is difficult to master, so that for meniscectomy open methods remain commoner. By taking advantage of the new instruments and equipment developed for arthroscopic operations, a modified technique of open meniscectomy, designed to improve the postoperative course, has been developed. In a prospective randomised study, the results after this modified open meniscectomy were comparable with those obtained after arthroscopic operation and were significantly better than those after conventional meniscectomy. The best results of all, however, were those after partial arthroscopic meniscectomy

Aims. This study examined windswept deformity (WSD) of the knee, comparing prevalence and contributing factors in healthy and osteoarthritic (OA) cohorts. Methods. A case-control radiological study was undertaken comparing 500 healthy knees (250 adults) with a consecutive sample of 710 OA knees (355 adults) undergoing bilateral total knee arthroplasty. The mechanical hip-knee-ankle angle (mHKA), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), and lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA) were determined for each knee, and the arithmetic hip-knee-ankle angle (aHKA), joint line obliquity, and Coronal Plane Alignment of the Knee (CPAK) types were calculated. WSD was defined as a varus mHKA of < -2° in one limb and a valgus mHKA of > 2° in the contralateral limb. The primary outcome was the proportional difference in WSD prevalence between healthy and OA groups. Secondary outcomes were the proportional difference in WSD prevalence between constitutional varus and valgus CPAK types, and to explore associations between predefined variables and WSD within the OA group. Results. WSD was more prevalent in the OA group compared to the healthy group (7.9% vs 0.4%; p < 0.001, relative risk (RR) 19.8). There was a significant difference in means and variance between the mHKA of the healthy and OA groups (mean -1.3° (SD 2.3°) vs mean -3.8°(SD 6.6°) respectively; p < 0.001). No significant differences existed in MPTA and LDFA between the groups, with a minimal difference in aHKA (mean -0.9° healthy vs -0.5° OA; p < 0.001). Backwards logistic regression identified meniscectomy, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteotomy as predictors of WSD (odds ratio (OR) 4.1 (95% CI 1.7 to 10.0), p = 0.002; OR 11.9 (95% CI 1.3 to 89.3); p = 0.016; OR 41.6 (95% CI 5.4 to 432.9), p ≤ 0.001, respectively). Conclusion. This study found a 20-fold greater prevalence of WSD in OA populations. The development of WSD is associated with meniscectomy, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteotomy. These findings support WSD being mostly an acquired condition following skeletal maturity. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(10):879–885

Aims. The best surgical strategy for the management of displaced bucket-handle (BH) meniscal tears in an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-deficient knee is unclear. Combining meniscal repair with ACL reconstruction (ACLR) is thought to improve meniscal healing rates; however, patients with displaced BH meniscal tears may lack extension. This leads some to advocate staged surgery to avoid postoperative stiffness and loss of range of motion (ROM) following ACLR. Methods. We reviewed the data for a consecutive series of 88 patients (mean age 27.1 years (15 to 49); 65 male (74%) and 23 female (26%)) who underwent single-stage repair of a displaced BH meniscal tear (67 medial (76%) and 21 lateral (24%)) with concomitant hamstring autograft ACLR. The patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) EuroQol visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS), EuroQol five-dimension health questionnaire (EQ-5D), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), International Knee Documentation Committee score (IKDC), and Tegner score were recorded at final follow-up. A Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to estimate meniscal repair survivorship. Analyses were performed with different cut-offs for meniscal and ACL injury-to-surgery time (within three weeks, three to ten weeks, and more than ten weeks). Results. Meniscal repair survivorship at a median final follow-up of 55 months (interquartile range (IQR) 24 to 91) was 82% (95% confidence interval 70 to 89). A total of 13 meniscus repairs failed (12 requiring meniscectomy and one requiring a further meniscal repair). At final follow-up, median PROMs were: EQ-VAS 85 (IQR 75 to 90), EQ-5D Index 0.84 (IQR 0.74 to 1.00), KOOS Pain 89 (IQR 80 to 94), KOOS Symptoms 82 (IQR 71 to 93), KOOS Activities of Daily Living 97 (IQR 91 to 100), KOOS Sport and Recreation 80 (IQR 65 to 90), KOOS Quality of Life 69 (IQR 53 to 86), IKDC 82.8 (IQR 67.8 to 90.8), and Tegner 6 (IQR 4 to 7). Two patients underwent revision ACLR following further injuries. One patient had an arthroscopic washout for infection at 11 days post-BH meniscal repair/ACLR. Four patients (4.5%) required a further procedure for stiffness, reduced ROM, and pain, and all were operated on within three weeks of meniscal injury. There was no difference in the interval between meniscal injury and surgery between repairs that failed and those that survived. Conclusion. These data suggest that concomitant ACLR with repair of displaced BH meniscal tears, even if they have been displaced for some time, appears to afford satisfactory PROMs and good survivorship. Repairs within three weeks of meniscal injury may be associated with higher rates of postoperative reintervention for stiffness. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(6):680–686

The menisci of the knee have an important role in load-bearing and shock absorption within the joint. They may also function as secondary stabilisers, have a proprioceptive role, and aid the lubrication and nutrition of the articular cartilage. Complete or partial loss of a meniscus can have damaging effects on a knee, leading to serious long-term sequelae. This paper reviews the consequences of meniscectomy and summarises the body of evidence in the literature regarding those factors most relevant to long-term outcome

We continued a prospective longitudinal follow-up study of 53 remaining patients who underwent open total meniscectomy as adolescents and who at that time had no other intra-articular pathology of the knee. Their clinical, radiological and patient-reported outcomes are described at a mean follow-up of 40 years (33 to 50). The cohort of patients who had undergone radiological evaluation previously after 30 years were invited for clinical examination, radiological evaluation and review using two patient-reported outcome measures. . A total of seven patients (13.2%) had already undergone total knee replacement at the time of follow-up. A significant difference was observed between the operated and non-operated knee in terms of range of movement and osteoarthritis of the tibiofemoral joint, indicating a greater than fourfold relative risk of osteoarthritis at 40 years post-operatively. All patients were symptomatic as defined by the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score. This study represents the longest follow-up to date and it can be concluded that meniscectomy leads to symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee later in life, with a resultant 132-fold increase in the rate of total knee replacement in comparison to their geographical and age-matched peers

We reviewed 230 patients an average of 34 months after they had undergone partial or total meniscectomy by surgeons of different experience in a busy unit. Open and arthroscopic meniscectomies were compared. Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy resulted in a significant reduction of inpatient stay and earlier return to work and sport. Analysis of the type of meniscal damage showed that arthroscopic removal of "bucket handles" achieved better results than open techniques. Comparatively poor results were found for lateral meniscectomy

We reviewed 74 partial medial meniscectomies in 57 patients with stable knees, to assess the long-term functional and radiological outcome. The International Knee Documentation Committee score and the residual laxity were assessed in both knees. At the time of surgery the mean age of the patients was 36 ± 11 years and the mean follow-up was 12 ± 1 years. All had a limited medial meniscectomy. The anterior cruciate ligament was intact in all cases. The meniscal tear was vertical in 95% and complex in 5%. The posterior part of the meniscus was removed in 99%. A peripheral rim was preserved in all cases. After 12 years 95% of the patients were satisfied or very satisfied with their knee(s). Objectively, 57% had grade A function and 43% were grade B. The outcome correlated only with the presence of anterior knee pain at final follow-up. In the 49 cases of arthroscopic meniscectomy for which there was a contralateral normal knee there was narrowing of the ‘joint-space’ in 16% of the operated knees. There was no correlation between this and other parameters such as age or different meniscal pathologies

We have carried out a prospective, longitudinal 30-year review of 95 adolescents who underwent total meniscectomy in one knee, and have compared the results with those observed 13 years earlier. All the medical records were scrutinised. Of the 63 patients reviewed clinically, 47 reported decreased sporting activity, although subjective satisfaction rose by 3% to 71%. The scores on the WOMAC osteoarthritis index differed significantly between patients grouped by subjective global assessment. Satisfactory function scores increased from 48% to 60%. In the 53 patients consenting to bilateral radiography of the knee, the incidence of narrowing of the articular cartilage in the operated knee increased significantly between the reviews (19% to 36%). Progression of degenerative change paralleled reduction in activity. Outcome measures were best after medial, intermediate after lateral and worst after double meniscectomy

Late degenerative changes are known to follow meniscectomy, but there is little agreement on their incidence or on which patients are most at risk. A total of 210 patients have been reviewed 10 to 22 years after meniscectomy, and long leg radiographs taken of both knees. Radiological degeneration was seen in 18%, while 7% had significant symptoms and signs. Statistical analysis showed increased changes in older patients, in those with abnormal leg alignment, and in those who had undergone lateral as against medial meniscectomy. Our findings emphasise the important mechanical function of the meniscus and support the current cautious approach to meniscectomy, especially for patients in high risk groups. They also indicate the value of early high tibial osteotomy for symptomatic varus deformity after medial meniscectomy

A group of 40 patients with unstable knees due to a combination of a meniscal tear with a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament was studied to assess the effects of treatment by meniscectomy alone. The results were assessed both subjectively and objectively, but emphasis was placed on the symptoms rather than the physical signs of instability. Meniscectomy alone cured the symptoms of instability in 22 of the patients and a further eight required no further surgical treatment; bucket-handle tears were associated with a good result and posterior-horn tears with a poor result. The remaining 10 patients later underwent an additional procedure to reconstruct the ligament because of persisting symptoms. It was concluded that in patients with this combined lesion the torn meniscus should be dealt with first. In young patients with a posterior-horn tear it would be justifiable to perform a ligamentous reconstruction at the same time as the meniscectomy

1. Four cases of arterial injury complicating meniscectomy are described. 2. The danger of using chisel-type meniscectomy knives, especially when they are incorrectly sharpened, is emphasised

The results of three different types of meniscectomy have been compared in 219 knees, 71 treated by arthroscopic partial meniscectomy, 45 treated by open partial meniscectomy, and 103 treated by open total meniscectomy, with a mean follow-up of 4.3 years. Knees which had undergone previous operations or had other simultaneous operative procedures or ligamentous damage were excluded. Knees with chondromalacia were included provided that this did not amount to frank osteoarthritis. Simple indicators were used for the rate of early recovery from the operation, and the Tapper and Hoover scale was used to record the symptomatic results in the longer term. It was found that knees treated by arthroscopic partial meniscectomy did considerably better than the others by all the criteria used. In most parts of the study there was a clear gradation between the results of the three types of treatment: arthroscopic techniques did better than open operations, and partial meniscectomy did better than total meniscectomy

Changes in the knee joint after meniscectomy include ridge formation, narrowing of the joint space, and flattening of the femoral condyle. Investigations suggest that these changes are due to loss of the weight-bearing function of the meniscus. Meniscectomy is not wholly innocuous; it interferes, at least temporarily, with the mechanics of the joint. It seems likely that narrowing of the joint space will predispose to early degenerative changes, but a connection between these appearances and later osteoarthritis is not yet established and is too indefinite to justify clinical deductions

A prospective trial has been carried out to determine the value of suction drainage in the operation of meniscectomy. One hundred operations were analysed, in half of which drains had been used. The use of the drain could not be shown to result in any sustained advantages. The demand for analgesics after the operation was reduced but not to a statistically significant level. The size of the early effusion was significantly reduced, but this benefit was lost when the knee was mobilised. The return of power to the quadriceps and of movement to the knee were not hastened. The average volume of fluid drained was 134 millilitres and it has been shown that forty-eight hours is a suitable time for removal of the drain. The use of suction drainage is not advocated for the uncomplicated operation of meniscectomy

The role of arthroscopic meniscectomy in middle-aged patients has not previously been evaluated. This paper reports on 73 knees in 68 patients aged over 40, all of whom were shown arthroscopically to have meniscal tears and who were felt to be suitable candidates for meniscectomy. Many of these patients had typical traumatic meniscal tears, and if no degenerative joint changes were present at the time of meniscectomy, 95 per cent of them had good or excellent results an average of two and a half years later. In those instances where degenerative joint changes were present, removal of the offending segment of torn meniscus produced 80 per cent good or excellent results over the same period of time. These facts seem important now that arthroscopy permits such precise diagnosis of meniscal tears and of joint degeneration

We report the results of a prospective longitudinal study of 147 athletes who had had a meniscectomy for an isolated meniscus injury. The patients were reviewed in detail after median periods of 4.5 years and 14.5 years and the results analysed. The frequency of complaints related to the operation increased from 53% at 4.5 years to 67% at 14.5 years, while demonstrable knee instability increased from 10% to 36%. The incidence of radiographic changes of degeneration rose from 40% to 89% and at late review 8% of patients had definite osteoarthritis by the criteria of Ahlback (1968). In consequence 46% had given up or reduced their sporting activity, and 6.5% had changed their occupation. Radiographic deterioration started after the 4.5-year review in 49% of the patients and was more frequent after lateral than medial meniscectomy

Two hundred patients with a meniscal lesion were peroperatively allocated to partial or total meniscectomy in a random manner. The results were compared at one year and at 6.3 to 9.8 years (median 7.8). After one year more patients with partial meniscectomy (90%) than with total meniscectomy (80%) had no complaints. At the later review these figures were 62% and 52%, respectively (p = 0.18). However, patients with partial meniscectomy had higher functional scores. The deterioration in function between the first review and the second showed no significant difference in the two treatment groups. The incidence of mediolateral instability rose from 8% to 47% and was more frequent after total than after partial meniscectomy. Between the two reviews the radiological signs of knee degeneration increased with no difference between the two treatment groups

The causes of persistent symptoms after meniscectomy have been assessed clinically, radiologically and arthroscopically in 174 knees. The commonest finding was early degenerative arthritis (chondromalacia) of the femoral condyle (40 per cent). Retained fragments of meniscus were less common than expected (13 per cent), and lesions of the other meniscus were rare (5 per cent). The clinical diagnosis was altered in 42 per cent by arthroscopic examination. Arthroscopy was found to be a valuable technique in this group of patients with problems of diagnosis

We evaluated the outcome of partial lateral meniscectomy of 31 knees in 29 patients whose knees were otherwise normal. The mean follow-up was 10.3 years. According to the Lysholm score, 14 knees were rated as excellent, four as good, five as fair and eight as poor, with a mean score of 80.5 points. Radiologically, only one lateral compartment was classified as grade 0, eight as grade 1, nine as grade 2, 11 as grade 3, and two as grade 4 according to Tapper and Hoover. No significant (p < 0.05) correlation was found between the amount of tissue resected and the subjective, clinical and radiological outcome. Although early results of lateral meniscectomy may be satisfactory, we have demonstrated that in the long term there was a high incidence of degenerative changes, a high rate of reoperation (29%) and a relatively low functional outcome score

1. A case of traumatic aneurysm in the popliteal fossa after a lateral meniscectomy is described. 2. Relevant factors in the surgical anatomy of the inferior genicular artery are discussed. 3. The value and limitations of angiography of the popliteal artery are considered. 4. Treatment is governed by the degree of involvement of the popliteal artery. In the case described cure of the aneurysm was obtained by endo-aneurysmorrhaphy

Of 250 patients scheduled for meniscectomy 50 had symptoms which subsided and operation could be deferred; of the remaining 200 only 73 per cent were found to have a significant tear. It is shown that the risks of removing a normal meniscus far exceed those of leaving a tear in the posterior third. Statistical analysis of clinical features revealed no reliable diagnostic pattern

In a double-blind, randomised, prospective study of 139 patients undergoing arthroscopic meniscectomy, those receiving a prostaglandin inhibitor (naproxen sodium) had significantly less pain, less synovitis and less effusion. They had significantly more rapid return of movement and of quadriceps function; their return to work and to sport also was significantly faster. It is recommended that, provided there are no contraindications, a prostaglandin inhibitor should be used after arthroscopic procedures

1. In the course of 2,668 operations for suspected cartilage lesions 119 errors of diagnosis were revealed.

2. These errors are analysed and certain conclusions are drawn.

The medial meniscus was resected from the right knees of twelve young grivet monkeys that were killed at intervals of twenty-one to 252 days after operation. The knees operated upon and the control knees were investigated radiologically and histologically. Degenerative changes occurred in the medial femoral and tibial condyles. At first there was loss of cells from the superficial layer of the articular cartilage, with a marked decrease in the acid mucopolysaccharide content of the matrix. The chondrocytes in the deeper layer of the non-calcified zone proliferated to form clones before finally degenerating. The acellular cartilage showed splitting, and with progress of the degenerative process there was thinning and erosion of the cartilage. Eventually there was complete loss of articular cartilage with thickening and exposure of the subchondral bone. These degenerative changes were confined to a small area of the articular cartilage and had occurred despite regeneration of the meniscus. The rest of the cartilage looked normal. It is concluded that articular cartilage deprived of the protection of a meniscus may undergo arthritic changes.

The suppression of the immediate postmeniscectomy synovial reaction by a potent prostaglandin inhibitor (flurbiprofen 400 mg daily) resulted in significantly less knee pain and swelling in 50 patients compared to 50 age-matched controls taking a simple analgesic (paracetamol 4 g daily) (P less than 0.001), thus enhancing recovery by three to four weeks. In the patients undergoing partial meniscectomy knee function was restored by 27 days, a figure comparable with endoscopic methods.

The April 2023 Research Roundup. 360. looks at: Ear protection for orthopaedic surgeons?; Has arthroscopic meniscectomy use changed in response to the evidence?; Time to positivity of cultures obtained for periprosthetic joint infection; Bisphosphonates for post-COVID-19 osteonecrosis of the femoral head; Missing missed fractures: is AI the answer?; Congenital insensitivity to pain and correction of the knee; YouTube and paediatric elbow injuries

Aims. Patients with osteoarthritis of the knee commonly have degenerative meniscal tears. Arthroscopic meniscectomy is frequently performed, although the benefits are debatable. Recent studies have concluded that there is no role for arthroscopic washout in osteoarthritis of the knee. Our aim was to perform a systematic review to assess the evidence for the efficacy of arthroscopic meniscectomy in patients with meniscal tears and degenerative changes in the knee. Patients and Methods. A literature search was performed, using the PubMed/MEDLINE database, for relevant articles published between 1975 and 2015. A total of six studies, including five randomised controlled trials and one cross-sectional study of a prospective cohort, met the inclusion criteria. Relevant information including study design, operations, the characteristics of the patients, outcomes, adverse events and further operations were extracted. Results. The degree of osteoarthritis in the patients who were included and the rate of cross over from one form of treatment to another varied in the studies. Two randomised controlled trials showed a benefit of arthroscopic surgery in patients with limited degenerative joint disease, compared with conservative treatment. One cross-sectional study showed that patients with less severe degenerative changes had better outcomes. Conclusion. Patients with symptomatic meniscal tears and degenerative changes in the knee can benefit from arthroscopic meniscectomy, particularly if the osteoarthritis is mild. A trial of conservative management may be effective and should be considered, especially in patients with moderate osteoarthritis. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:934–8

Aims. To investigate the risk factors for progression of articular cartilage damage after anatomical anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Patients and Methods. A total of 174 patients who underwent second-look arthroscopic evaluation after anatomical ACL reconstruction were enrolled in this study. The graded condition of the articular cartilage at the time of ACL reconstruction was compared with that at second-look arthroscopy. Age, gender, body mass index (BMI), ACL reconstruction technique, meniscal conditions, and other variables were assessed by regression analysis as risk factors for progression of damage to the articular cartilage. Results. In the medial compartment, multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that partial medial meniscectomy (odds ratio (OR) 6.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.11 to 22.04, p = 0.001), pivot-shift test grade at the final follow-up (OR 3.53, CI 1.39 to 8.96, p = 0.008), BMI (OR 1.15, CI 1.03 to 1.28, p = 0.015) and medial meniscal repair (OR 3.19, CI 1.24 to 8.21, p = 0.016) were significant risk factors for progression of cartilage damage. In the lateral compartment, partial lateral meniscectomy (OR 10.94, CI 4.14 to 28.92, p < 0.001) and side-to-side differences in anterior knee laxity at follow-up (OR 0.63, p = 0.001) were significant risk factors. Conclusion. Partial meniscectomy was found to be strongly associated with the progression of articular cartilage damage despite r anatomical ACL reconstruction. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:285–93

Aims. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor has been reported to attenuate inflammatory response in rat models of inflammation. This study was designed to investigate the effect of PARP signalling in osteoarthritis (OA) cartilage inflammatory response in an OA rat model. Methods. The OA model was established by anterior cruciate ligament transection with medial meniscectomy in Wistar rats. The poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) shRNA (short hairpin (sh)-PARP-1) and negative control shRNA (sh-NC) were delivered using a lentiviral vector and were intra-articularly injected into rats after surgery. The weight-bearing distribution of the hind limbs and the knee joint width were measured every two weeks. The expression levels of PARP-1, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in cartilage were determined using real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot. The serum concentrations of inflammatory cytokines were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results. PARP-1 expression level significantly increased in the cartilage of the established OA rat model. sh-PARP-1 treatment suppressed PARP-1 levels, decreased the Δ Force (the difference between the weight on ipsilateral limb and contralateral limb) and the knee joint width, inhibited cartilage matrix catabolic enzymes, and ameliorated OA cartilage degradation and attenuated inflammatory response. Conclusion. PARP-1 inhibition attenuates OA cartilage inflammatory response in the OA rat model. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(7):401–410

Objectives. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, affecting approximately 15% of the human population. Recently, increased concentration of nitric oxide in serum and synovial fluid in patients with OA has been observed. However, the exact role of nitric oxide in the initiation of OA has not been elucidated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of nitric oxide in innate immune regulation during OA initiation in rats. Methods. Rat OA was induced by performing meniscectomy surgery while cartilage samples were collected 0, 7, and 14 days after surgery. Cartilage cytokine levels were determined by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, while other proteins were assessed by using Western blot. Results. In the time course of the study, nitric oxide was increased seven and 14 days after OA induction. Pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 were decreased. L-NG-Nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME, a non-specific nitric oxide synthase inhibitor) significantly decreased cartilage nitric oxide and blocked immune suppression. Further, L-NAME decreased Matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) and increased tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) expression in meniscectomised rats. Conclusion. Nitric oxide-dependent innate immune suppression protects cartilage from damage in the early stages of OA initiation in rats. Cite this article: C-C. Hsu, C-L. Lin, I-M. Jou, P-H. Wang, J-S. Lee. The protective role of nitric oxide-dependent innate immunosuppression in the early stage of cartilage damage in rats: Role of nitric oxide in ca rtilage da mage. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:253–258. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.64.BJJ-2016-0161.R1

Aims. Meniscal allograft transplantation is undertaken to improve pain and function in patients with a symptomatic meniscal deficient knee compartment. While case series have shown improvements in patient reported outcome measures (PROMs), its efficacy has not been rigorously evaluated. This study aimed to compare PROMs in patients having meniscal transplantation with those having personalized physiotherapy at 12 months. Patients and Methods. A single-centre assessor-blinded, comprehensive cohort study, incorporating a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) was performed on patients with a symptomatic compartment of the knee in which a (sub)total meniscectomy had previously been performed. They were randomized to be treated either with a meniscal allograft transplantation or personalized physiotherapy, and stratified for malalignment of the limb. They entered the preference groups if they were not willing to be randomized. The Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score and Lysholm score and complications were collected at baseline and at four, eight and 12 months following the interventions. Results. A total of 36 patients entered the study; 21 were randomized and 15 chose their treatments. Their mean age was 28 years (range 17 to 46). The outcomes were similar in the randomized and preference groups, allowing pooling of data. At 12 months, the KOOS. 4. composite score (mean difference 12, p = 0.03) and KOOS subscales of pain (mean difference 15, p = 0.02) and activities of daily living (mean difference 18, p = 0.005) were significantly superior in the meniscal transplantation group. Other PROMs also favoured this group without reaching statistical significance. There were five complications in the meniscal transplantation and one in the physiotherapy groups. Conclusion. This is the first study to compare meniscal allograft transplantation to non-operative treatment. The results provide the best quality evidence to date of the symptomatic benefits of meniscal allograft transplantation in the short term, but a multicentre RCT is required to investigate this question further. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:56–63

The anatomy and microstructure of the menisci allow the effective distribution of load across the knee. Meniscectomy alters the biomechanical environment and is a potent risk factor for osteoarthritis. Despite a trend towards meniscus-preserving surgery, many tears are irreparable, and many repairs fail. . Meniscal allograft transplantation has principally been carried out for pain in patients who have had a meniscectomy. Numerous case series have reported a significant improvement in patient-reported outcomes after surgery, but randomised controlled trials have not been undertaken. It is scientifically plausible that meniscal allograft transplantation is protective of cartilage, but this has not been established clinically to date. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:590–4

We reviewed 195 knees in 167 patients at least 20 years after a rim-preserving meniscectomy. They were considered in two groups: 102 knees had had an intact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), and 93 had had an unrepaired rupture. More patients with a ruptured ACL had downgraded their sport activity by five years after meniscectomy. The incidence of radiographic osteoarthritis was about 65% at 27 years in patients with a ruptured ligament, and 86% in those followed up for over 30 years. In the ligament-deficient group 10% had had operations for osteoarthritis, and another 28% had had other operations, mainly further meniscectomies. Only 6% of those with an intact ligament had needed a second operation after meniscectomy and at long-term follow-up 92% of them were satisfied or very satisfied. Only 74% of the ligament-deficient patients were satisfied with their result. The long-term outcome after rim-preserving meniscectomy depends mainly upon the state of the anterior cruciate ligament

The April 2015 Knee Roundup360 looks at: Genetic determinants of ACL strength; TKA outcomes influenced by prosthesis; Single- or two-stage revision for infected TKA?; Arthroscopic meniscectomy: a problem that just won’t go away!; Failure in arthroscopic ACL reconstruction; ACL reconstruction in the over 50s?; Knee arthroplasty for early osteoarthritis; All inside meniscal repair; Steroids, thrombogenic markers and TKA

The February 2013 Children’s orthopaedics Roundup. 360 . looks at: ABC treated with suction and curettage; peri-acetabular osteotomy; cast index; Perthes’ disease associated with accidental injury; brachial plexus birth palsy; MRI assessment of DDH; total meniscectomy; and paediatric septic arthritis

Of 34 consecutive proximal tibial osteotomies for secondary degenerative arthritis in patients under 40 years of age, 33 were evaluated at least three years (mean 7.5 years) after operation. In all 73% were satisfactory, with four failures in 21 procedures in men and five failures in 12 procedures in women. The primary abnormalities were medial meniscectomy (11), medial and lateral meniscectomy (4), osteochondritis dissecans (3), osteochondritis dissecans with medial meniscectomy (4) and fracture (11). All four knees with both medial and lateral meniscectomy had unsatisfactory results despite obtaining anatomical alignment. Eight patients needed subsequent surgery; five of them had total knee replacement, four within four years of the osteotomy. Proximal tibial osteotomy in younger patients with secondary arthritis gives similar results to those for older patients with primary osteoarthritis. If it fails, this is generally within the first four years after the operation

The February 2014 Knee Roundup. 360 . looks at: whether sham surgery is as good as arthroscopic meniscectomy; distraction in knee osteoarthritis; whether trans-tibial tunnel placement increases the risk of graft failure in ACL surgery; whether joint replacements prevent cardiac events; the size of the pulmonary embolism problem; tranexamic acid and knee replacement haemostasis; matching the demand for knee replacement and follow-up; predicting the length of stay after knee replacement; and popliteal artery injury in TKR

The February 2014 Research Roundup. 360 . looks at: blood supply to the femoral head after dislocation; diabetes and hip replacement; bone remodelling over two decades following hip replacement; sham surgery as good as arthroscopic meniscectomy; distraction in knee osteoarthritis; whether joint replacement prevent cardiac events; tranexamic acid and knee replacement haemostasis; cartilage colonisation in bipolar ankle grafts; CTs and proof of fusion; atorvastatin for muscle re-innervation after sciatic nerve transection; microfracture and short-term pain in cuff repair; promising early results from L-PRF augmented cuff repairs; and fatty degeneration in a rodent model

Objectives. Subtotal or total meniscectomy in the medial or lateral compartment of the knee results in a high risk of future osteoarthritis. Meniscal allograft transplantation has been performed for over thirty years with the scientifically plausible hypothesis that it functions in a similar way to a native meniscus. It is thought that a meniscal allograft transplant has a chondroprotective effect, reducing symptoms and the long-term risk of osteoarthritis. However, this hypothesis has never been tested in a high-quality study on human participants. This study aims to address this shortfall by performing a pilot randomised controlled trial within the context of a comprehensive cohort study design. Methods. Patients will be randomised to receive either meniscal transplant or a non-operative, personalised knee therapy program. MRIs will be performed every four months for one year. The primary endpoint is the mean change in cartilage volume in the weight-bearing area of the knee at one year post intervention. Secondary outcome measures include the mean change in cartilage thickness, T2 maps, patient-reported outcome measures, health economics assessment and complications. Results. This study is expected to report its findings in 2016. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2015;4:93–8

Aims. Risk of revision following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is higher in patients under 55 years, but little data are reported regarding non-revision outcomes. This study aims to identify predictors of dissatisfaction in these patients. Patients and Methods. We prospectively assessed 177 TKAs (157 consecutive patients, 99 women, mean age 50 years; 17 to 54) from 2008 to 2013. Age, gender, implant, indication, body mass index (BMI), social deprivation, range of movement, Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grade of osteoarthritis (OA) and prior knee surgery were recorded. Pre- and post-operative Oxford Knee Score (OKS) as well as Short Form-12 physical (PCS) and mental component scores were obtained. Post-operative range of movement, complications and satisfaction were measured at one year. Results . Overall, 44 patients with 44 TKAs (24.9%) under 55 years of age were unsure or dissatisfied with their knee. Significant predictors of dissatisfaction on univariate analysis included: KL grade 1/2 OA (59% dissatisfied), poor pre-operative OKS, complications, poor improvements in PCS and OKS and indication (primary OA 19% dissatisfied, previous meniscectomy 41%, multiply operated 42%, other surgery 29%, BMI > 40 kg/m. 2. 31%, post-traumatic OA 45%, and inflammatory arthropathy 5%). Poor pre-operative OKS, poor improvement in OKS and post-operative stiffness independently predicted dissatisfaction on multivariate analysis. Conclusion. Patients receiving TKA younger than 55 years old should be informed about the increased risks of dissatisfaction. Offering TKA in KL 1/2 is questionable, with a dissatisfaction rate of 59%. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1625–34

Aims

Meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) for patients with symptomatic meniscal loss has demonstrated good clinical results and survivorship. Factors that affect both functional outcome and survivorship have been reported in the literature. These are typically single-centre case series with relatively small numbers and conflicting results. Our aim was to describe an international, two-centre case series, and identify factors that affect both functional outcome and survival.

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of arthroscopic partial meniscectomy versus physical therapy plus optional delayed arthroscopic partial meniscectomy in young patients aged under 45 years with traumatic meniscal tears.

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the risk of postoperative complications in COVID-19-positive patients undergoing common orthopaedic procedures.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(11):1133–1134.