Effect of Concomitant Meniscal Tear on Strength and Functional Performance in Young Athletes 6 Months After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Hamstring Autograft

BACKGROUND: The effect of concomitant meniscal tears, and their associated treatment, on strength and functional recovery after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) has not been adequately investigated in young populations. HYPOTHESIS: Concomitant meniscal tears, treated with or without repair, would not adversely affect strength, balance, or functional hop test performance at 6 months postoperatively. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: The authors retrospectively analyzed return-to-sports (RTS) assessments prospectively collected 6 months after ACLR with hamstring autograft in 165 patients ≤25 years of age. Descriptive, surgical, and RTS testing data were analyzed, and subgroups were compared using analysis of covariance models designed to assess the effects of sex, meniscal tear, and meniscal repair on RTS performance. RESULTS: Included were 115 female (70%) and 50 male (30%) patients with a mean age of 16.4 years (range, 12.3-25 years). Of these patients, 58% had concomitant meniscal tears (59% lateral, 27% medial, 14% lateral + medial), comprising 53% of the female and 70% of the male patients. The authors treated 61% of the tears with repair, with range of motion (ROM) and weightbearing limitations imposed within the first 6 weeks postoperatively, whereas 39% were treated with partial meniscectomy, rasping, or trephination (no ROM or weightbearing restrictions). The mean deficit in hamstring strength at 6 months postoperatively was significantly greater in the meniscal tear group than in those without a tear (32.3% vs 24.6%; P = .028). The meniscal repair group had greater hamstring strength deficits than the group with meniscectomy, rasping or trephination (34.3% vs 26.2%; P = .023). Performance on dynamic balance and functional hop tests was similar among all meniscus subgroups. There were no sex-based effects on any subgroup comparisons. CONCLUSION: At 6 months postoperatively, both young male and young female patients who underwent ACLR with hamstring autograft demonstrated significant hamstring strength deficits compared with their nonoperative leg. The presence of a meniscal tear and subsequent repair, or its related rehabilitation restrictions, appears to have adverse effects on the postoperative recovery of hamstring strength.