Return to Sport After Isolated Meniscal Repair in Competitive Contact Sports Athletes

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of arthroscopic repairs for isolated meniscal tears, and the rate of return to competitive contact sports.

INTRODUCTION: The meniscus plays a role in shock absorption, load distribution, increases the contact surface area and improves femoral-tibial congruence. Meniscal tears alter load transmission, thus increasing dramatically femoral-tibial contact pressures.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: 11 patients treated with isolated arthroscopic meniscal suture were retrospectively evaluated whit a minimum follow-up. Inclusion criteria: isolated acute or semi-acute meniscal tears (0-6 weeks), red-red and red-white zone longitudinal tears, competitive contact sport. Exclusion criteria: meniscal repair associated with other procedures (ACL reconstruction, for example), revision surgery. Sex: 10 men, 1 woman. Age: 24 years average.

RESULTS: Complications : 1 patient lost extension >5º. Return to sport: 10 patients same sport / same level, 1 patient at a lower level. Re-rupture: 1 new entorsis patient in her 3^rdpost-surgery season. Subjectively: 10 excellent, 1 fair.

CONCLUSIONS: Young patients red-red or red-white zone isolated meniscal tears, operated in between  6 weeks of injury, have excellent healing rate and high return to contact sports.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: level IV.