[Arthroscopic surgery for injuries to the popliteal tendon area of the lateral meniscus]

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the mid-term effect and complications of arthroscopic popliteal tendon suture in the treatment of lateral meniscus injury.

Methods: From January 2016 to December 2020, the data of 57 patients with lateral meniscus popliteal tendon injury treated by arthroscopic popliteal tendon suture fixation were retrospectively analyzed, including 35 males and 22 females, aged from 18 to 47 years old with an average of (32.9±7.9) years old. Knee function was evaluated using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm scores both before the operation and at the final follow-up. Meniscus healing was evaluated according to the postoperative Barrett standard. Wound healing complications, such as vascular injury, nerve injury, and lower extremity venous thrombosis, were recorded.

Results: All 57 patients were followed up for 12 to 58 months with an average of (38.1±14.9) months.The incisions of the patients after the operation were all Grade A healing without infection, popliteal tendon injury, blood vessel injury, nerve injury and lower extremity venous thrombosis.The IKDC score increased from (49.7±3.6) points preoperatively to (88.5±4.4) points in the final follow-up (P<0.05). The Lysholm score increased from (48.8±4.9) points preoperatively to (91.9±3.9) points at the final follow-up (P<0.05). At 3, 6 months and 1 year after operation, according to Barrett's criteria, 54 cases were clinically healed, the healing rate was 94.7% (54/57).

Conclusion: This study preliminarily confirmed that arthroscopic suture technique can result in clinical stability through suture and fixation of the meniscus in the injured lateral popliteal tendon area. No adverse effects on knee joint function were found in the mid-term follow-up after the operation.

Keywords: Arthroscopy; Knee joint; Lateral meniscus tear; Popliteal tendon.