Meniscus suture provides better clinical and biomechanical results at 1-year follow-up than meniscectomy

BACKGROUND: Surgery of meniscus tear results in limitation of function. The aim of study was functional assessment of knee 1 year after surgery with two techniques in cases of the medial meniscus tear followed by the same supervised rehabilitation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 patients with good KOSS scores constituted two equal groups after partial meniscectomy or meniscus suture. Measurements of knee extensors and flexors muscles peak torques were performed with angular velocities 60, 180, 240 and 300 s(−1) using Biodex IV system. One-leg-hop and one-leg-rising tests ascertained the function of operated knee. Results of examinations were compared with reference to healthy volunteers. Results of biomechanical and clinical studies were correlated to create complex and objective method evaluating treatment. RESULTS: Extensors peak torque values at 60 s(−1) angular velocity and H/Q coefficient were decreased after meniscectomy more than meniscus suture in comparison to healthy volunteers (P ≤ 0.001; P ≤ 0.05). Analysis of functional tests revealed that patients after meniscectomy showed difference between operated and non-operated knee (P ≤ 0.01) while patients with meniscus suture differed the least to controls (P ≤ 0.05). Extensors peak torque values at 60 s(−1) angular velocity correlated with results of one-leg-rising test. CONCLUSION: Results suggest worse functional effects when meniscectomy is applied which implies modification of the rehabilitative methods in a postoperative period.