Magnetic Resonance Imaging is not suitable for interpretation of meniscal status ten years after arthroscopic repair

摘要

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the MRI features of the all-inside repaired meniscus in the long-term. Methods: Among 27 consecutive all-inside arthroscopic meniscal repairs, 23 patients aged 25 ± 5 years at the time of surgery were reviewed at a median follow-up of 10 ± 1 years. Retrospective clinical examinations and imaging assessments using a 1.5-T MRI after all-inside arthroscopic meniscal repair were conducted. Results: At follow-up, Lysholm and IKDC averaged 89 ± 11 and 95 ± 8, respectively. MRI examinations revealed no meniscal signal alteration in three patients (13 %), a vertical signal located in the previously torn area in seven (30 %), a horizontal grade 3 in nine (39 %), and a complex tear (grade 4) in four (17.5 %). There were no differences between medial and lateral menisci (p = 0.15), stable and stabilised knees (p = 0.56). Conclusions: Several abnormal vertical and/or horizontal hypersignals are still present on MRI examination ten years after arthroscopic all-inside meniscal repair. The appearance of early signs of osteoarthritis is rare, suggesting a chondroprotective effect of the repaired meniscus.