The Impact of Bone Marrow Venting Augmentation on Knee Functions in the Repair of Vertical/Longitudinal Meniscus Tears: A Triple Comparison.

OBJECTIVE

Preserving and restoring meniscus function is crucial for maintaining knee biomechanics and overall functionality. To enhance the healing process after meniscus repair, various biological techniques have been introduced. In this study, three treatment approaches examined were bone marrow venting with stem cells (BMVP), anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with meniscus repair, and isolated meniscus repair.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From 2015 to 2019, we retrospectively analyzed data from 83 patients who presented with complaints of knee pain or pain in addition to instability, were diagnosed with vertical/longitudinal meniscus tears, and underwent arthroscopic repair (30 with isolated repair, 28 with ACLR repair, and 25 with BMVP) at our University Hospital. Among the 28 patients with anterior cruciate ligament rupture, pain and instability were the predominant complaints, whereas 55 patients with meniscus tear primarily complained pain. Clinical and functional conditions were assessed using Lysholm, WOMAC, IKDC, and VAS scores before and 18 months after surgery. Surgical success was evaluated based on Barrett's criteria. Causes of failure were analyzed considering demographic data, smoking status, injury time, tear location, shape, zone, and suture type and number.

RESULTS

Of the participants, 58 were male, 25 were female, 61 had medial meniscus lesions, and 22 had lateral meniscus lesions. The tear types included 51 simple longitudinal tears, 18 bucket handle tears, and 14 complex tears. A significant improvement was observed in the postoperative 18 month Lysholm, WOMAC, and IKDC values in all three groups (: 0.001). At the 18 month mark, clinical and functional outcomes were comparable between BMVP and ACLR repair groups (Lysholm : 0.951, WOMAC : 0.241, IKDC : 0.984). Both of these procedures yielded better results compared to isolated meniscus repair (Lysholm : 0.001, WOMAC : 0.027, IKDC : 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The superior clinical and functional outcomes observed after meniscus repair with BMVP and ACLR, compared to isolated meniscus repair, indicate positive effects of bone marrow stem cells, blood components, and tissue healing factors on meniscus repair and knee function.