Most Patients Older Than 40 Years of Age Who Underwent Meniscal Root Repair Presented With an Effusion, a Positive McMurray Test, and a Positive Hyperflexion Test

Purpose

To analyze the presenting symptoms and clinical examination findings of patients undergoing meniscal root repairs to aid physicians in diagnosing this injury.

Methods

All patients undergoing isolated arthroscopic meniscal root repair from January 1, 2016, to September 1, 2021, were identified. Patients younger than the age of 40 years were excluded. Clinical notes were reviewed for presenting symptoms and physical examination findings. Preoperative radiographs were graded using the Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) scale for osteoarthritis. Root tears were graded using the radiographic criteria of Chung et al. and articular cartilage injury was graded using a validated system, AMADEUS (mean total Area Measurement And Depth & Underlying Structures).

Results

In total, 221 patients met inclusion criteria; 65.6% of patients reported that their pain began after an acute injury, with 39.4% of patients reporting a “pop.” On examination, an effusion was present in 71% of knees. McMurray test was reported positive in 85.5% and a positive hyperflexion test in 53.8% of knees. In total, 49.5% of knees were graded KL 1. 154 had medial root tears, 10 had lateral root tears, and 24 suffered both root tears. In total, 44.1% of tears occurred at the midsubstance of the root, with 28.0% occurring at the enthesis and 28.0% occurring at the root-posterior horn junction. The mean AMADEUS score was 94.4 ± 11.4.

Conclusions

Although most patients reported pain began after acute injury, less than one-half reported hearing a “pop.” When patients were evaluated, an effusion, positive McMurray test, and positive hyperflexion test were present in most meniscal root tears.

Level of Evidence

Level IV, diagnostic case series.