Clin Orthop Surg.  2011 Jun;3(2):128-132. 10.4055/cios.2011.3.2.128.

Characteristics of Radial Tears in the Posterior Horn of the Medial Meniscus Compared to Horizontal Tears

• Choi CJ
• Choi YJ
• Song IB
• Choi CH

• KMID: 1719309
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4055/cios.2011.3.2.128

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The clinical and radiologic features of radial tears of the medial meniscus posterior horn were compared with those of horizontal tears.
METHODS
From January 2007 to December 2008, 387 consecutive cases of medial meniscal tears were treated arthroscopically. Among these, 91 were radial tears in the medial meniscus posterior horn, and 95 were horizontal tears in the posterior segment of the medial meniscus. The patients' data (age, gender, duration of symptom, body mass index, and injury history), radiographic findings (Kellgren and Lawrence score, posterior tibial slope, and femorotibial angle), and chondral lesions were recorded.
RESULTS
The patient factors of age, gender, and body mass index were related to radial tears of the medial meniscus posterior horn. Radial tears were significantly correlated with Kellgren and Lawrence score, varus alignment, posterior tibial slope, and severity of the chondral lesion.
CONCLUSIONS
Radial tears of the medial meniscus posterior horn are a unique clinical entity that are associated with older age, females and obesity, and are strongly associated with an increased incidence and severity of cartilage degeneration compared to horizontal tears.

Keyword

Radial tear; Horizontal tear; Medial meniscus; Posterior horn

MeSH Terms

Adult
Age Factors
Aged
Arthroscopy
Body Mass Index
Female
Humans
Knee Injuries/*pathology/radiography/surgery
Male
Menisci, Tibial/*injuries/*pathology/radiography/surgery
Middle Aged
Retrospective Studies
Sex Factors

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