Abstract:
Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is a prevalent degenerative condition affecting
various structures of the knee joint, with meniscal root tears being a significant yet often
undiagnosed contributor to its progression. This study evaluates the impact of early surgical
repair using the transtibial pull-out technique on meniscal root tears in patients with early
osteoarthritis.
Methods: A prospective study was conducted at BLDE (Deemed to be University) Shri B. M.
Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Vijayapura, from August 2022 to December
2024. A total of 35 patients (aged 40-55) underwent arthroscopic meniscus posterior horn root
repair. Patient demographics, injury history, clinical and radiological findings and intra-operative
findings were documented. VAS and WOMAC scores were assessed pre-operatively and at 3, 6,
and 12 months post-operatively.
Results: The study included 35 patients (77.1% female, 22.9% male). Age distribution was as
follows: 42.9% were below 45 years, 37.1% were between 45-49 years, and 20% were over 50
years. Right limb involvement was observed in 60% of cases. 42.9% had a history of trauma.
Intra-operatively, type 2 tears were found in 48.6%, type 4 in 8.6%, and type 5 in 42.9%. VAS
scores significantly decreased from a mean of 7.26 pre-op to 2.11 at 12 months post-op (P =
0.001). WOMAC scores also significantly decreased from a mean of 45.54 pre-op to 4.80 at 12
months post-op (P = 0.001). MRI findings showed 20% of cases involved the lateral meniscus
and 80% involved the medial meniscus.
Conclusion: Early surgical repair of meniscal root tears using the transtibial pull-out technique
significantly improves functional outcomes and reduces pain in patients with early osteoarthritis.
These findings support the importance of early diagnosis and intervention in managing meniscal
root tears to slow the progression of osteoarthritis.
