Combined Meniscal Saucerization and Repair Versus Subtotal Meniscectomy for Symptomatic Discoid Lateral Meniscal Tears in Children and Adolescents.

Abstract

Background: Meniscal saucerization combined with repair of a symptomatic discoid lateral meniscus (DLM) has been expanding. However, the significance of meniscal saucerization with repair involving complex or degenerative tears remains uncertain.

Purpose/hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to assess the radiological and clinical outcomes of saucerization with repair performed for symptomatic DLM tears in children and adolescents in comparison with a historical control cohort undergoing subtotal meniscectomy. It was hypothesized that saucerization with repair would lead to superior outcomes compared with subtotal meniscectomy.

Study design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods: This study group consisted of 27 knees in 21 patients who underwent saucerization with repair (SR group) between 2011 and 2018, while the historical control group included 22 knees in 20 patients who underwent subtotal meniscectomy (SM group) between 2005 and 2011. Patient age at the time of surgery ranged from 4 to 18 years (mean, 12.1 years). Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Lysholm score. The Tapper and Hoover classification based on Rosenberg view radiographs was adopted, and lateral joint space width was measured as a parameter for cartilage/meniscus preservation. Clinical and radiological results were evaluated preoperatively, 2 years postsurgery, and until the final follow-up.

Results: The mean follow-up period was 50.6 ± 17.0 months in the SR group and 62.3 ± 41.0 months in the SM group. Lysholm scores significantly improved postoperatively in both groups (P < .001). As for radiological evaluation, a progression in the Tapper and Hoover classification grade and a significant increase in lateral joint space width (P < .001) between the right and left sides were observed in both groups at 2 years postoperatively, with no significant differences between groups. Complications included postoperative retearing in 5 cases (18.5%) from the SR group, and osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) developed after surgery in 1 knee (4%) in the SR group and 6 knees in the SM group (27%), with a significantly higher incidence in the SM group (P = .036).

Conclusion: Both groups showed progressive postoperative radiographic degeneration, and clinical outcomes also improved in both groups. Based on the incidence of OCD development, saucerization with repair for complex DLM tears showed advantages over subtotal meniscectomy.