Abstract

Aim

The healing rates between isolated and concomitant anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction of the meniscus repair is still a debate. This study aimed to compare the failure rates and clinical outcomes between isolated meniscus repair and simultaneous anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Methods

This retrospective analysis included 59 patients aged < 40 years who underwent arthroscopic meniscus repair. Of these, 32 patients underwent isolated meniscal repair, whereas 27 underwent simultaneous anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Patients were followed up at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively and then at 6-month intervals for a minimum of 2 years.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences in terms of tear type, tear length, or affected meniscus. Although the distribution of tear zones was higher in the isolated group, favoring zone 2, this difference was not statistically significant (p=0,095). The preoperative Lachman test was significantly more positive in patients who underwent simultaneous anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (p<0,001). When functional scores were evaluated, the preoperative (p=0,006) and postoperative (p=0,032) Tegner activity scores were significantly higher in the simultaneous anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction group. The revision surgery rate, an indicator of clinical failure, was higher in isolated group; however,this difference did not reach statistical significance (p=0,060).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that the clinical efficacy of meniscus repair is high regardless of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, but anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction may show more favorable trends in some clinical parameters because of its biological and mechanical advantages.