Combined Meniscal Saucerization and Repair Versus Subtotal Meniscectomy for Symptomatic Discoid Lateral Meniscal Tears in Children and Adolescents

Abstract

Background: Meniscal saucerization combined with repair of a symptomatic discoid lateral meniscus (DLM) has been expanding. However, the significance of meniscal saucerization with repair involving complex or degenerative tears remains uncertain. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to assess the radiological and clinical outcomes of saucerization with repair performed for symptomatic DLM tears in children and adolescents in comparison with a historical control cohort undergoing subtotal meniscectomy. It was hypothesized that saucerization with repair would lead to superior outcomes compared with subtotal meniscectomy. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: This study group consisted of 27 knees in 21 patients who underwent saucerization with repair (SR group) between 2011 and 2018, while the historical control group included 22 knees in 20 patients who underwent subtotal meniscectomy (SM group) between 2005 and 2011. Patient age at the time of surgery ranged from 4 to 18 years (mean, 12.1 years). Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Lysholm score. The Tapper and Hoover classification based on Rosenberg view radiographs was adopted, and lateral joint space width was measured as a parameter for cartilage/meniscus preservation. Clinical and radiological results were evaluated preoperatively, 2 years postsurgery, and until the final follow-up. Results: The mean follow-up period was 50.6 ± 17.0 months in the SR group and 62.3 ± 41.0 months in the SM group. Lysholm scores significantly improved postoperatively in both groups (P