Authors:
Robert F. LaPrade, M.D., Ph.D., Andrew G. Geeslin, M.D., Jorge Chahla, M.D., Ph.D., Moises Cohen, M.D., Ph.D., Lars Engebretsen, M.D., PhD., Scott C. Faucett, M.D., M.S., Alan M. Getgood, M.D., F.R.C.S., Eivind Inderhaug, M.D., Ph.D., Darren L. Johnson, M.D., Sebastian Kopf, Dr. med, Aaron J. Krych M.D., Christopher M. Larson, M.D., Martin LindM.D., Ph.D., Gilbert MoatsheM.D., Ph.D., Iain R. Murray, F.R.C.S., Ph.D., Volker Musahl M.D., Roberto Negrin, M.D., Jonathan C. Riboh, M.D., Romain Seil, M.D., Ph.D., Tim Spalding,F.R.C.S. Orth.
Conclusions:
Repair of posterior lateral meniscal root and oblique radial tears at the time of ACL reconstruction is recommended to improve knee stability and decrease the risk of PTOA. The recommendations from the articles by Shumborski et al.1 and Shelbourne2 may lead clinicians to neglect treatment of these important meniscal tears. Meniscal tear stability must be evaluated based on structural integrity and preservation of anatomic attachments rather than propensity for development of intra-articular catching due to tear displacement. We believe that the meniscal repair techniques are straightforward for sports medicine surgeons trained in ACL reconstruction, and that perceived difficulty of repairing these tears may influence the decision to leave the tears in situ without repair. Given the influence of meniscal status on development of PTOA and the influence on quality of life in young active patients, we strongly recommend performing meniscal preservation. Further, revision ACL reconstruction is complex and requires specialized techniques, and repair of chronic lateral meniscal root tears not treated at the index surgery may not be possible.
You can download the study/Letter to the Editor: Posterior Lateral Meniscal Root and Oblique Radial Tears: The Biomechanical Evidence Supports Repair of These Tears, Although Long-Term Clinical Studies Are Necessary
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