Short-Term Outcomes After Transtibial Repair of Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Tears: A Case Series

<b>Background/Objectives:</b> While arthroscopic repair is established for the treatment of medial meniscus posterior root tears (MMPRT), the relationship between physiotherapy (PT) exposure, meniscal extrusion (ME), and structural healing remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate short-term functional and structural results after transtibial pull-out (TPO) repair of isolated MMPRT and to explore the influence of patient age and postoperative physiotherapy volume. <b>Methods:</b> A retrospective single-center case series with 14 adults (64% women, age 59 years, body mass index (BMI) 31.0 kg/m<sup>2</sup>) who underwent TPO repair (April 2022-June 2024). Mean follow-up was 18.4 months. Outcomes included range of motion (ROM), pain levels using visual analog scale (VAS), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), the Western Ontario Meniscal Evaluation Tool (WOMET), the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), and MRI-based ME, cartilage grade, and root-healing status. Postoperative PT volume was assessed with a self-developed, custom questionnaire. Correlations and subgroup analyses (<60 vs. ≥60 years) were performed. <b>Results:</b> Mean postoperative ROM was 121° and IKDC 63.4. Median PT exposure was 25.9 h, and the mean duration from symptom to repair was 215 days. MRI demonstrated complete healing in 70% of cases. A positive correlation was observed between postoperative ME and ROM (<i>p</i> = 0.008), while higher PT volume was associated with greater pain scores. <b>Conclusions:</b> TPO repair appears to be a viable treatment option for selected patients with MMPRT, showing acceptable early outcomes, even in older individuals with higher BMIs or delayed repair. Meniscal healing was frequent, although extrusion progression remained common and may influence the function. The observed links between ME, ROM, and PT-related pain highlight the need for standardized rehabilitation assessment. Larger, prospective studies are warranted to validate these exploratory findings and refine postoperative management.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Journal of Clinical Medicine
Published
2025-10-21
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14207440
Primary Topic
Knee injuries and reconstruction techniques
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Short-Term Outcomes After Transtibial Repair of Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Tears: A Case Series

Sara Piu, Dan Viorel Nistor, Dan Mihu, Romana von Mengershausen
Journal of Clinical Medicine
Knee injuries and reconstruction techniques
article

Short-Term Outcomes After Transtibial Repair of Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Tears: A Case Series

Sara Piu, Dan Viorel Nistor, Dan Mihu, Romana von Mengershausen
article en

Abstract

<b>Background/Objectives:</b> While arthroscopic repair is established for the treatment of medial meniscus posterior root tears (MMPRT), the relationship between physiotherapy (PT) exposure, meniscal extrusion (ME), and structural healing remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate short-term functional and structural results after transtibial pull-out (TPO) repair of isolated MMPRT and to explore the influence of patient age and postoperative physiotherapy volume. <b>Methods:</b> A retrospective single-center case series with 14 adults (64% women, age 59 years, body mass index (BMI) 31.0 kg/m<sup>2</sup>) who underwent TPO repair (April 2022-June 2024). Mean follow-up was 18.4 months. Outcomes included range of motion (ROM), pain levels using visual analog scale (VAS), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), the Western Ontario Meniscal Evaluation Tool (WOMET), the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), and MRI-based ME, cartilage grade, and root-healing status. Postoperative PT volume was assessed with a self-developed, custom questionnaire. Correlations and subgroup analyses (<60 vs. ≥60 years) were performed. <b>Results:</b> Mean postoperative ROM was 121° and IKDC 63.4. Median PT exposure was 25.9 h, and the mean duration from symptom to repair was 215 days. MRI demonstrated complete healing in 70% of cases. A positive correlation was observed between postoperative ME and ROM (<i>p</i> = 0.008), while higher PT volume was associated with greater pain scores. <b>Conclusions:</b> TPO repair appears to be a viable treatment option for selected patients with MMPRT, showing acceptable early outcomes, even in older individuals with higher BMIs or delayed repair. Meniscal healing was frequent, although extrusion progression remained common and may influence the function. The observed links between ME, ROM, and PT-related pain highlight the need for standardized rehabilitation assessment. Larger, prospective studies are warranted to validate these exploratory findings and refine postoperative management.

Journal of Clinical MedicineVol. 14(20)
Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy (RO), Spitalul Clinic CF Cluj-Napoca (RO)
Openalex Percentile: Top 53%
Knee injuries and reconstruction techniques
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.