[Meniscal lesions in so-called "isolated" ruptures of the anterior cruciate ligament. Apropos of 59 cases].

Between December 1984 and March 1987, i.e. a period of 27 months, the authors operated on 59 "isolated" fresh ruptures of the ACL with routine evaluation of the posterior horns of the medial and lateral menisci. Lesions were investigated either by arthroscopy (23 cases) or by anterior arthrotomy with routine medial and lateral retro-ligamentous counter-incision (36 cases). This revealed 21 lesions of the medial meniscus (i.e. 35.5%) and 38 lesions of the lateral meniscus (i.e. 64.5%). Lesions of both menisci were present in 16 knees (27%) and only 16 knees (27%) were found to be free of any meniscal lesion. The majority of meniscal lesions were viable and could be sutured in 86% of cases for the medial meniscus and 87% of cases for the lateral meniscus. From the standpoint of operative technique, posterior lesions are relatively poorly visualized by arthroscopy (notably concerning the posterior horn of the medial meniscus though it is easier to assess the stability of the meniscus by this technique using the palpating hook. Lesions are well visualized by medial and lateral retroligamentous counter-incisions, but it is difficult to assess meniscus stability. Finally it should be noted that all of these ruptures of the ACL were dealt with by reconstruction of the central pivot either by suture and a strengthening procedure (semitendinous) or by ligament plasty from the outset.