Popliteomeniscal fascicles tears with lateral meniscus instability: outcomes of arthroscopic surgical technique at mid-term follow-up

Purpose The popliteomeniscal fascicles (PMFs) are a crucial part of the posterolateral corner of the knee. They provide stability to the lateral meniscus and stabilize the joint during tibial internal rotation. The clinical diagnosis of a torn PMFs is difficult, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be inconclusive as well. The aim of the present study was to report the outcomes of a continuous series of patients affected by PMF lesions and treated with an arthroscopic repair. Methods Seventeen patients (average age of 22 +/- 3.6 years) with PMF lesions and lateral meniscus instability were prospectively enrolled. All patients were evaluated with clinical examination, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Lysholm and Tegner scores and 1.5 T MRI. All patients had the same arthroscopic procedure consisting of meniscal repair with an all-inside meniscal repair system (mean 2.2 +/- 0.77 anchors) and followed with the same postoperative protocol. Results All patients were available at a mean follow-up of 68 +/- 24 months (range 49-84 months). Mean IKDC increased from 60.2 +/- 13.5 to 83.1 +/- 12, mean Lysholm score improved from 56.7 +/- 8.2 to 89.8 +/- 3.2, and mean Tegner score improved from 2.9 +/- 1.3 to 6.5 +/- 2. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were reported. MRI evaluation at 6-month follow-up showed successful healing of the menisco-popliteal fascicles in all cases. Conclusions The diagnosis and treatment of tears of the PMFs is still debated. Diagnostic confirmation of tearing of the PMFs is usually determined at the time of arthroscopy. Meniscal repair with an all-inside meniscal repair system appears to be an excellent treatment option, since it yields good functional results at mid-term follow-up, no local complications, and complete radiographic healing at 6-month follow-up MRI. Further studies are needed to confirm these promising early results.