Abstract
Purpose
Medial meniscus posterior root tears (MMPRTs) occur most frequently in middle-aged and older adults. However, this serious condition can also occur in younger patients. The purpose of this study was to compare anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) degeneration and sagittal medial tibial slope in young adults with and without MMPRT.
Methods
Eighteen healthy volunteers, 18 young patients (20–49 years of age), and 30 middle-aged and older patients (50–70 years of age) with MMPRT repair were included in the study. Sex, body mass index (BMI), femorotibial angle, ACL degeneration, and medial tibial slope angle were compared among the groups. ACL degeneration and medial tibial slope angle were assessed using magnetic resonance imaging.
Results
In the healthy volunteer group, the young patient group, and the older patient group, the medial tibial slopes were 3.5° ± 1.4°, 6.1° ± 2.7°, and 7.2° ± 1.9°, respectively, and the ACL degeneration rates were 5.6%, 38.9%, and 43.3%, respectively. Young patients with MMPRT had significantly steeper medial tibial slopes and ACL degeneration compared to those of the healthy volunteers (P < 0.05). The parameters of young patients were similar to those of older patients with MMPRT. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, BMI, medial tibial slope, and ACL degeneration were significantly associated with MMPRT in young patients.
Conclusion
BMI, steep medial tibial slope, and ACL degeneration contribute to MMPRT development in younger patients.
Level of evidence
Level III.
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TF: designed the study. MT, YO, and TH: contributed to the analysis and interpretation of data. All authors have contributed to data collection and interpretation and critically reviewed the manuscript. All authors approved the final version of the manuscript and agreed to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.
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Kodama, Y., Furumatsu, T., Tamura, M. et al. Steep posterior slope of the medial tibial plateau and anterior cruciate ligament degeneration contribute to medial meniscus posterior root tears in young patients. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 31, 279–285 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-022-07095-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-022-07095-z