Functional outcome of arthroscopic all-inside meniscal repair: A single-centre prospective observational study

Background: Meniscus repairs enhance the knee function, increase activity levels, slow the course of osteoarthritis and improve functional outcome compared to partial meniscectomy. Although various methods are available, the optimal technique for meniscal repair remains under investigation. This study examines the functional outcomes and the factors influencing the outcomes of arthroscopic all-inside meniscus repair. Materials and methods: Eighty-seven patients who had arthroscopic all-inside repair were included in a prospective observational study. One year after surgery, the patients' functional outcomes were assessed using international knee documentation (IKDC), Tegner score and Lysholm knee scores. Results: The mean pre-operative Lysholm score was 61.7±18.8 and post-operative score one-year post-surgery was 87.4±6.42 (p<0.001). The mean pre-operative Tegner score was 3.43±2.07 and post-operative score 7.25±1.46 (p<0.001). The mean pre-operative IKDC score was 53.4 ±11.7 and post-operative score 86.7±5.93 (p<0.001). Longitudinal tears after one year of repair had a mean IKDC score of 91.71, Tegner score of 8.45 and Lysholm score of 90.15. Horizontal tears showed IKDC score of 89.19, Tegner score of 7.55 and Lysholm score of 92.55; and flap tears had a mean IKDC score of 72.56, Tegner score of 4.85 and Lysholm score of 75.65. Conclusion: With the best results shown in horizontal and longitudinal tears, the arthroscopic all-inside meniscal repair showed significant efficacy across a range of tear patterns. This surgical approach worked well for regaining knee stability and function and allowed patients to return to normal physical activity after the procedure.