[Postero-internal menisco-capsular disinsertions associated with chronic instabilities of the knee caused by rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament]

Abstract

Posterior menisco-capsular tears of the medial compartment of the knee can be considered as a complication of rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament and the consequent medial instability. The lesion is more a capsular lesion than a true meniscal one and it is related to an excessive stress on the oblique fibres of the ligament of Hughston attached to the meniscus. The diagnosis is based on arthrography made with meticulous technique. The lesion must be differentiated from true meniscal tears because it can be sutured. One hundred and twenty five such lesions have been operated on and reviewed after a follow-up of an average of two years. The technique must be very precise to prevent any secondary lesion due to surgery and to avoid any plaster cast immobilisation. The results have been satisfactory in 69 p. 100. They should be improved with more accurate surgical technique and with more precise indications.