PURPOSE

We describe 13 cases of medial meniscus posterior root tear (MMPRT) with varus knee alignment treated with medial meniscus posterior root reconstruction (MMPR-R) and open-wedge high-tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) to identify an optimal MMPRT treatment.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 13 patients (mean age: 66.3 ± 8.0 years) who underwent MMPR-R and OWHTO. The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), femorotibial angle (FTA), percentage mechanical axis (%MA) on radiography, and medial meniscus extrusion (MME) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) between the preoperative period and last follow-up were compared. Moreover, meniscus healing status and the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) classification of the medial femoral condyle and medial tibial plateau on arthroscopy between the initial surgery and second-look arthroscopy were compared.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up duration was 12.8 ± 2.2 months. At the last follow-up, the KOOS significantly improved (P < 0.01). Based on the FTA and %MA, the varus alignment was predominantly corrected at the last follow-up (P < 0.01). The MME was increased in nine (62.9%) patients, and the mean MME significantly increased at the last follow-up (P = 0.04). Second-look arthroscopy revealed improvements in the ICRS grade for the medial femoral condyle and medial tibial plateau in six (46.2%) patients. However, the results did not significantly differ. Regarding meniscus healing, four (30.8%) patients presented with complete healing, eight (57.1%) with partial healing, and one (7.7%) with failed healing.

CONCLUSIONS

The MMPRT with varus knee alignment significantly improved with MMPR-R and OWHTO. However, the MME and meniscus healing were unsatisfactory.