Clinical Audit on Medial Meniscal Posterior Root Tear Repair in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Meniscal root tears lead to significant functional impairment and increase the risk of osteoarthritis. Repairing the root aims to restore knee anatomy and biomechanics, thus reducing osteo-arthritic progression. While several techniques for root repair exist, challenges remain with bed preparation and instrumentation. Aim of the study: Present study evaluated the early clinical results of root re-insertion using an accessory supra-meniscal portal, which aided in preparation and instrumentation of the bed. Materials: From February 2022 to January 2024 22 patients aged between 18 to 77 years with medial meniscus root tears underwent arthroscopic root repair using heavy braided sutures passed through a tibial tunnel and tied over a bone button. An accessory supra-meniscal portal was utilized for improved visualization and suture management. Patients were followed for 24 months, and functional outcomes were assessed using the Lysholm Knee Score. Results: After 24-month follow-up, the mean Lysholm score improved significantly from 81.5 ± 08.61 preoperatively to 90.25 ± 5.60 postoperatively (p = 0.001). Traumatic tears had higher preoperative and postoperative Lysholm scores compared to degenerative tears. Aged patients showed poorer functional outcomes. Conclusion: Medial meniscal root re-insertion restores knee function and helps prevent arthritis progression. Traumatic tears, especially in younger patients, show more significant improvements compared to degenerative tears.