The Prevalence, Zone, and Type of the Meniscus Tear in Patients with Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury; Does Delayed ACL Reconstruction Affects the Meniscal Injury?

Abstract

Background: Meniscus tear is a common finding in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and may affect<br />the natural history of the injury and the outcomes of treatment. In the current study, the characteristics of meniscus tears<br />in patients who underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction were investigated.<br />Methods: The hospital records of 1022 patients were reviewed. The measured variables included the presence of<br />meniscus tear, ramp and root injury, the zone of injury based on the Cooper classification, and the type of tear. The ACL<br />tears with delay more than 3 months for ACLR were recorded as chronic injuries.<br />Results: The incidence of meniscus tear was 44.4%; among whom, bucket-handle injury was the most common type<br />(30.4%) and the ramp lesion was found in 20.5%. The meniscus was repaired in 56.6%. The incidence of medial<br />meniscus injury was significantly higher in chronic ACL tears and vice versa (P<0.001). The incidence of ramp lesion<br />(9.1% Vs 20.5%) and root tear (1.3% Vs 2.9%) were significantly higher in the chronic and acute tears, respectively<br />(P<0.001).<br />Conclusion: Delay more than 3 months in ACLR was associated with the increased incidence of meniscal injury,<br />specially the medial meniscus, and ramp lesion. It seems that early ACLR may be more helpful for the patients.<br />Level of evidence: IV