Arthroscopic characteristics of meniscal injuries in osteoarthritic knees

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the arthroscopic characteristics of meniscal injuries in osteoarthritic knees and explore their significance in the selection of surgical approach.Methods: Four original types of meniscal injuries were defined. The study included 87 cases; 12 Type1, 26 Type 2, 35 Type 3 and 14 in Type 4 meniscal injuries. For Type 1 injuries, 5 cases underwentmeniscal suture repair and 7 cases partial meniscal resection. Partial meniscal resection was performed in 22 cases and subtotal resection in 4 cases of Type 2 injury. For Type 3 injury, meniscal debridement was performed in 2, partial resection in 8, subtotal resection in 19 and total resection in 6 cases. For Type 4 injury, 3 cases underwent subtotal resection and 11 underwent total resection. Patients were evaluated with the Lysholm, visual analog scale, and Kellgren-Lawrence scale scores and cartilage lesions stages. Results: Mean follow-up period was 26 (range: 8 to 51) months. Joint swelling or pain was present in 13 cases after fatigue. Twist lock symptom was observed in one Type 3 injury and one Type 4 injury. Joint flexion was limited to 20° in one Type 3 injury and two Type 4 injuries. Total knee joint replacement was performed in two Type 2 and two Type 4 injuries 2 to 3 years and 2 months after surgery. Conclusion: The classification of meniscal injuries in osteoarthritic knees was designed to guide arthroscopic surgery and improve the therapeutic efficacy of minimally invasive surgery for knee osteoarthritis.