Abstract
Radial tear of posterior horn occurs as a type of medial meniscus injury that is frequently observed in middle age and elderly patients; however, it is rare in young patleuts. There are only a few detailed reports on the clinical features and treatment of this injury, indicating the need for thorough investigation. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the incidence, etiology, symptoms and treatment.
Arthroscopic knee surgery was performed on 88 knees in 86 patients over 40 years of age, from July 1999 to August 2001. Radial tears in the posterior horn of medial meniscus were found in 14 knees of 13 patients (male; 3 knees; female, 11 knees). The mean age was 63.6 years (range: 44 to 80). The JOA knee score was used for the evaluation of operative treatment.
Medial meniscus tears were observed in 67 of 88 knees and the incidence of radial tear in the posterior horn among medial meniscus tears was 20.9% (14/67knees). Thirteen of these 14 knees had a history of minor trauma. Hemarthrosis was observed in all 5 knees that were examined within 3 days after injury. Partial meniscectomy was performed on all 14 knees. The mean JOA scere improved from 38.9 to 88.2 points after operation.
The incidence of this type of tear is considerably high in middle age and elderly patients. Careful probing of the posterior horn is an essential procedure in knee arthroscopy.
