Introduction
Meniscus root tears are a significant cause of knee pain and dysfunction, often leading to arthritis if left untreated. With various treatment options available—ranging from meniscectomy to nonoperative care and root repair—it’s crucial to determine which approach yields the best long-term outcomes. A systematic review, done by Dr. Okoroha’s colleagues, sheds light on the superior clinical and radiological results achieved through root repair, providing hope for those seeking sustainable solutions for knee injuries.
Study Highlights
- Patient Demographics: The review included 3,191 patients with a mean age ranging from 24.6 to 65.6 years. Follow-up periods varied from 12 to 125.9 months.
- Follow-Ups: Meniscus root repair was linked to less joint space narrowing and lower rates of progression to total knee arthroplasty compared to meniscectomy and nonoperative care.
- Positive Outcomes: Root repair showed the greatest improvements in International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm scores, along with significant gains in pain relief, sports activity, quality of life, and symptom management.
- Key Findings on Structural Outcomes: Patients undergoing root repair experienced reduced medial meniscal extrusion and better preservation of joint space width, suggesting superior knee joint stability and reduced risk of arthritis.
Conclusion
For those dealing with meniscus root tears, root repair offers the most promising results, delivering superior pain relief, functional improvement, and long-term joint preservation compared to other treatments. If you're struggling with persistent knee pain or have been diagnosed with a meniscus root tear, consult an orthopedic specialist to explore whether root repair is the right path to restore your knee health and active lifestyle.
We are committed to providing personalized care and innovative treatments to help patients reach their full potential. To learn more about knee osteoarthritis, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kelechi Okoroha today. Seeing patients from Minneapolis, St. Paul, Plymouth, Edina, Minnetonka, Rochester, and Minnesota ensures that patients receive specialized care aimed at maximizing their athletic performance and long-term knee health.
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