Correlation of Detachment of Proximal Tibia Superficial Medial Collateral Ligament and Medial Meniscus Extrusion with Knee Osteoarthritis.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the study is to assess the correlation of detachment of proximal tibia superficial medial collateral ligament (sMCL) and medial meniscus (MM) extrusion with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and its progression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a prospective study where 165 knees were evaluated using radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging for the severity of OA knee according to Kellgrence-Lawrence grading, MM extrusion, and status of proximal tibia attachment of sMCL. Chi-square test of Independence and Pearson's correlation test were used to assess any correlation among the variables.

RESULTS

The study population had a mean age of 52.93 ± 19.46 years. 106 (64.24%) were males and 59 (35.75 were females. There were 83 (50.30%) left knees and 82 (49.70%) right knees in the study. The percentage of proximal tibia sMCL detachment was more in patients with knee OA than those without OA (85-88.89%). Similarly, the percentage of MM extrusion was maximum in advanced arthritis patients (95%). Both these variables were lowest in non-arthritic group (2.56% and 6.41%, respectively). Statistical analysis showed a significantly positive correlation of detachment of proximal tibial attachment of sMCL as well as MM extrusion with grades of OA of knee (P < 0.001 for both).

CONCLUSION

A detached proximal tibia sMCL and an extruded MM were individually found to have a strong association (Chi-square test) and a positive linear correlation (Pearson's test) with the arthritic condition of the knee. This would suggest a role of both these variables in the progression of knee OA. They can thus be used as prognostic markers for knee OA as well as an important target in the management of knee OA.