ObjectiveTo establish a classification model based on knee MRI radiomics, realize automatic identification of meniscus tear, and provide reference for accurate diagnosis of meniscus injury. Methods A total of 228 patients (246 knees) with meniscus injury who were admitted between July 2018 and March 2021 were selected as the research objects. There were 146 males and 82 females; the age ranged from 9 to 76 years, with a median age of 53 years. There were 210 cases of meniscus injury in one knee and 18 cases in both knees. All the patients were confirmed by arthroscopy, among which 117 knees with meniscus tear and 129 knees with meniscus non-tear injury. The proton density weighted-spectral attenuated inversion recovery (PDW-SPAIR) sequence images of sagittal MRI were collected, and two doctors performed radiomics studies. The 246 knees were randomly divided into training group and testing group according to the ratio of 7∶3. First, ITK-SNAP3.6.0 software was used to extract the region of interest (ROI) of the meniscus and radiomic features. After retaining the radiomic features with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)>0.8, the max-relevance and min-redundancy (mRMR) and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) were used for filtering the features to establish an automatic identification model of meniscus tear. The receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC) and the corresponding area under the ROC curve (AUC) was obtained; the model performance was comprehensively evaluated by calculating the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. Results A total of 1 316-dimensional radiomic features were extracted from the meniscus ROI, and the ICC within the group and ICC between the groups of the 981-dimensional radiomic features were both greater than 0.80. The redundant information in the 981-dimensional radiomic features was eliminated by mRMR, and the 20-dimensional radiomic features were retained. The optimal feature subset was further selected by LASSO, and 8-dimensional radiomic features were selected. The average ICC within the group and the average ICC between the groups were 0.942 and 0.920, respectively. The AUC of the training group was 0.889±0.036 [95%CI (0.845, 0.942), P<0.001], and the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were 0.873, 0.869, and 0.842, respectively; the AUC of the testing group was 0.876±0.036 [95%CI (0.875, 0.984), P<0.001], and the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were 0.862, 0.851, and 0.845, respectively. ConclusionThe model established by the radiomics method has good automatic identification performance of meniscus tear.
Objective To examine the research status and predict trends in ME research findings from 1997-2023 on a global scale. Methods Web of Science Core Collection database was searched for original articles on ME published between 1997 and 2023, and then analyzed using CiteSpace, VOSviewer and the Online Analysis Platform of Literature Metrology to map scientific knowledge. Results A total of 748 articles were eventually included. The number of ME publications increased year by year, with the USA being the most productive country. Osteoarthritis, MRI, medial meniscus posterior root repair, biomechanical evaluation, lateral meniscus allograft transplantation, radiographic joint space narrowing are the high frequency keywords in co-occurrence cluster analysis and cocited reference cluster analysis. Medial meniscus posterior root tear and lateral meniscus allograft transplantation are current and evolving research hotspots in citation burst detection analysis. Conclusions The understanding of ME has been improved significantly during the past decades. Current research focuses on optimizing surgical repair methods and obtaining long-term follow-up outcomes for medial meniscal posterior root repair and developing methods to reduce ME after lateral meniscal allograft, as well as they are the highlights of future research on ME.
Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of arthroscopic simultaneous both anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and suture of the meniscus bucket-handle tear (BHT). Methods Between January 2013 and April 2014, 22 patients (22 knees) with ACL injury and BHT, who accorded with the inclusion criteria, were studied. There were 14 males and 8 females with a mean age of 30.68 years (range, 15-44 years). The left side was involved in 10 cases and the right side in 12 cases. Injury located at the medial meniscus in 14 patients, and at the lateral meniscus in 8 patients. The median of interval from injury to operation was 40 days (range, 9 hours to 4 years). BHT was sutured, and then single bundle reconstruction of ACL was performed under arthroscopy. Results All incisions healed by first intention, and there were no serious complications such as infection, vascular injury, and nerve injury. The patients were followed up for 26.7 months on average (range, 12-42 months). At 6 weeks after operation, one patient had limited motion of the knee, the function was recovered after release under anesthesia; and one patient had joint space tenderness, which was relieved after conservative treatment. The total effective rate was 90.9% (20/22). At last follow-up, the anterior drawer test, Lachman test, and McMurray test were negative in all the cases. The visual analogue scale (VAS), Tegner activity level score, and Lysholm score were significantly improved at 12 months after operation when compared with preoperative scores (P<0.05). At 6-12 months after operation, complete healing was obtained in 7 cases, and partial healing in 11 cases, and nonunion in 4 cases based on MRI evaluation criteria by Crueset al. There was no rupture of reconstruc-tive ligament during follow-up. Conclusion Arthroscopic simultaneous both ACL reconstruction and suture of BHT can improve the symptoms, reduce the risk of re-tear of sutured meniscus effectively, delay degeneration of articular cartilage, and maintain the stability of the knee joint.
Objective To investigate the impact of bone mass and volume of low-density zones beneath the tibial plateau on the maximum von Mises stresses experienced by the cartilage and meniscus in the knee joint. Methods The study included one healthy adult volunteer, from whom CT scans were obtained, and one patient diagnosed with knee osteoarthrisis (KOA), for whom X-ray films were acquired. A static model of the knee joint featuring a low-density zone was established based on a normal knee model. In the finite element analysis, axial loads of 1 000 N and 1 800 N were applied to the weight-bearing region of the upper surface of the femoral head for model validation and subsequent finite element studies, respectively. The maximum von Mises stresses in the femoral cartilage, as well as the medial and lateral tibial cartilage and menisci, were observed, and the stress percentage of the medial and lateral components were concurrently analyzed. Additionally, HE staining, as well as alkaline magenta staining, were performed on the pathological specimens of patients with KOA in various low-density regions. ResultsThe results of model validation indicated that the model was consistent with normal anatomical structures and correlated with previous calculations documented in the literature. Static analysis revealed that the maximum von Mises stress in the medial component of the normal knee was the lowest and increased with the advancement of the hypointensity zone. In contrast, the lateral component exhibited an opposing trend, with the maximum von Mises stress in the lateral component being the highest and decreasing as the hypointensity zone progressed. Additionally, the medial component experienced an increasing proportion of stress within the overall knee joint. HE staining demonstrated that the chondrocyte layer progressively deteriorated and may even disappear as the hypointensity zone expanded. Furthermore, alkaline magenta staining indicated that the severity of microfractures in the trabecular bone increased concurrently with the expansion of the hypointensity zone. Conclusion The presence of subtalar plateau low-density zone may aggravate joint degeneration. In clinical practice, it is necessary to pay attention to the changes in the subtalar plateau low-density zone and actively take effective measures to strengthen the bone status of the subtalar plateau low-density zone and restore the complete biomechanical function of the knee joint, in order to slow down or reverse the progression of osteoarthritis.
Objective To investigate the repair method of type Ⅱc injury in the lateral meniscus popliteal tendon area based on the porcine knee joint. Methods Eighteen commercially available fresh porcine knee joints were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=6). After preparing a type Ⅱc injury in the lateral meniscus popliteal tendon area, and the anterior (group A), posterior (group B), or anterior and posterior (group C) of the popliteal hiatus (PH) was sutured by vertical mattress. The tension meter was used to apply gradient tensions of 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 N along the tibial plateau horizontally, respectively, to pull the midpoint of the lateral meniscus popliteal tendon area. The displacement values before modeling, after modeling, and after suture were recorded. The reduction value of lateral meniscus displacement and reduction rate after suture were calculated and compared between groups. Results There was no significant difference between groups (P>0.05) in the displacement values before modeling, after modeling, and after suture under different tensions. There was no significant difference between groups A and C (P>0.05) in the reduction value of lateral meniscus displacement and reduction rate after suture under different tensions. The reduction value of lateral meniscus displacement and reduction rate after suture in group B were lower than those in groups A and C. The reduction value of lateral meniscus displacement under tension of 2 N and the reduction rates under tensions of 2, 4, and 6 N between groups A and B showed significant differences (P<0.05). The reduction value of lateral meniscus displacement and the reduction rate under tensions of 2, 4, and 6 N between groups B and C showed significant differences (P<0.05). Conclusion Suturing the anterior area of PH is the key to repairing type Ⅱc injury of lateral meniscus popliteal tendon area.
Objective To measure and analyze the relationships among the posterior tibial slope (PTS), meniscal slope (MS), and meniscus posterior horn thickness (MPHT) of the medial and lateral tibial plateau in healthy people and patients with anteromedial osteoarthritis (AMOA) in Heilongjiang province, so as to provide reference basis for appropriate tibial osteotomy and prosthesis placement angles in knee joint surgeries. Methods A retrospective collection of imaging data from knee joint MRI examinations conducted prior to AMOA for various reasons was performed. A total of 103 healthy individuals (healthy group) and 30 AMOA patients (AMOA group) were included. There was no significant difference in the gender composition ratio, side, and body mass index between the two groups (P>0.05); however, the comparison of ages between the two groups showed a significant difference (P<0.05). The collected DICOM format image data was imported into the RadiAnt DICOM Viewer software and measured the medial PTS (MPTS), lateral PTS (LPTS), medial MS (MMS), lateral MS (LMS), medial MPHT (MMPHT), and lateral MPHT (LMPHT) with standard methods. The differences of the above indexes between the two groups and between different genders and sides in the two groups were compared, and Pearson correlation analysis was carried out. At the same time, the measured data of healthy group were compared with the relevant literature reported in the past. Results Compared to the healthy group, the AMOA group exhibited significantly smaller MPTS and LPTS, as well as significantly greater MMPHT and LMPHT, with significant differences (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the MMS and LMS between the two groups (P>0.05). The differences in various indicators between genders and sides within the two groups were not significant (P>0.05). The correlation analysis and regression curves indicated that both MPTS and LPTS in the two groups were positively correlated with their respective ipsilateral MS and MPHT (P<0.05); as PTS increased, the rate of increase in MS and MPHT tend to plateau. Compared to previous related studies, the MPTS and LPTS measured in healthy group were comparable to those of the Turkish population, exhibiting smaller values than those reported in other studies, while MMS and LMS were relatively larger, and MMPHT and LMPHT were smaller. ConclusionIn healthy people and AMOA patients in Heilongjiang province, PTS has great individual differences, but there is no significant individual difference in MS. MPHT can play a certain role in retroversion compensation, and its thickness increase may be used as one of the indicators to predict the progression of AMOA. The above factors should be taken into account when UKA is performed, and the posterior tilt angle of tibial osteotomy should be set reasonably after preoperative examination and evaluation.
ObjectiveTo compare the short-term effectiveness of suture hook suture via double posteromedial approaches and Fast-Fix total internal suture in treatment of Ramp lesions. Methods A clinical data of 56 patients with anterior cruciate ligament rupture combined with Ramp lesions, who met the selection criteria and admitted between December 2021 and February 2023, was retrospectively analyzed. The Ramp lesions were sutured using suture hook via double posteromedial approaches under arthroscopy in 28 cases (group A) and treated with Fast-Fix total internal suture under arthroscopy in 28 cases (group B). There was no significant difference in age, gender, cause of injury, type of injury, time from injury to operation, side of injury, body mass index, and preoperative Lysholm score, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and Tegner score between the two groups (P>0.05). The patients were followed up regularly after operation, and the clinical and imaging healing of the Ramp lesion was evaluated according to the Barrett clinical healing standard and the MRI evaluation standard. Lysholm score, VAS score, and Tegner score were used to evaluate the function and pain degree of knee joint, and the results were compared with those before operation. ResultsThe incisions of the two groups healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 12-18 months (mean, 14.9 months). Postoperative McMurray tests were negative in both groups. The clinical healing rates of group A and group B were 71.4% (20/28) and 64.3% (18/28) at 6 months after operation, and 92.9% (26/28) and 82.1% (23/28) at 12 months after operation, respectively. The differences between the two groups was not significant (χ2=0.327, P=0.567; χ2=0.469, P=0.225). There was no significant difference in Lysholm score, VAS score, and Tegner score between the two groups at each time point after operation (P>0.05). The postoperative scores in the two groups significantly improved when compared with those before operation, and the scores at 12 months after operation further improved when compared with those at 6 months after operation, showing significant differences between the different time points in the two groups (P<0.05). At last follow-up, MRI examination of the knee joint showed that there were 26 (92.9%), 2 (7.1%), and 0 (0) cases of complete healing, partial healing, and nonunion in the Ramp lesion of group A, and 25 (89.3%), 1 (3.6%), and 2 (7.1%) cases in group B, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups (Z=−0.530, P=0.596). ConclusionSuture hook suture via double posteromedial approaches and Fast-Fix total internal suture under arthroscopy are safe and reliable in the treatment of Ramp lesion, and the knee joint function significantly improves after operation.
Objective To summarize the clinical features, surgical methods, and prognosis of bucket-handle meniscal tears (BHMTs), and provide guidance for clinical treatment. Methods The clinical data of 91 BHMTs patients (91 knees), who met the selection criteria and were admitted between January 2015 and January 2021, was retrospectively analyzed. There were 68 males and 23 females. Age ranged from 16 to 58 years with an average of 34.4 years. The injury was caused by sports in 68 cases, traffic accident in 15 cases, and falls or sprains in 8 cases. There were 49 cases of left knee injury and 42 cases of right knee injury. The time from the onset of symptoms to the admission ranged from 1 day to 13 months (median, 18 days), including >1 month in 35 cases and ≤1 month in 56 cases. Medial BHMTs occurred in 52 cases and lateral BHMTs in 39 cases. There were 36 cases with ACL rupture and 12 cases with discoid meniscus. The knee extension was limited more than 10° in 55 cases. According to the condition of meniscus injury, the meniscus suture with Inside-out combined with All-inside techniques (54 cases) or meniscoplasty (37 cases) under arthroscopy were selected. ACL reconstruction was performed in all patients with ACL rupture with autogenous hamstring tendon. Postoperative complications were observed. International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Lysholm score, and Tegner score were used to evaluate knee function, and clinical failure was recorded. Results Two patients developed intermuscular venous thrombosis, which improved after oral anticoagulant therapy. No vascular injury, postoperative infection, joint stiffness, or other complications occurred in all patients. All patients were followed up 24-95 months, with a median of 64 months. A total of 12 cases (13.19%) failed the operation and were re-operated or given oral anti-inflammatory analgesics and rehabilitation therapy. At last follow-up, IKDC score and Lysholm score of 91 patients significantly increased when compared with those before operation (P<0.05), while Tegner score significantly decreased (P<0.05). The above indexes of patients treated with meniscus suture and meniscoplasty were also significantly different from those before operation (P<0.05). ConclusionBHMTs occurs mostly in young men and is one of the important reasons for the limitation of knee extension after trauma. Arthroscopic meniscus suture and meniscoplasty can obtain good effectiveness according to individual conditions of patients. But the latter can better preserve the shape and function of meniscus, and theoretically can obtain better long-term outcomes, which needs to be confirmed by further research with larger sample size.
ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction failure and medial meniscus injury and decide whether medial meniscus injury could be the judgment index for ACL reconstruction failure without trauma history. MethodsBetween March 2011 and December 2015, 117 patients underwent ACL reconstruction, and the clinical data were analyzed retrospectively. All patients had no trauma history after ACL resconstruction. MRI examination showed medial meniscus injury in 56 cases (observation group) and no medial meniscus injury in 61 cases (control group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, side, reconstructive surgery, and follow-up time between 2 groups (P>0.05). The KT-2000 arthrometer was used to measure the difference value of tibial anterior displacement between two knees in 30° knee flexion. Then wether the ACL reconsruction failure was judged according to the evaluation criteria proposed by Rijke et al. ResultsIn observation group, the difference value of tibial anterior displacement was <3 mm in 7 patients, 3-5 mm in 11 patients, and >5 mm in 38 patients. In control group, the difference value of tibial anterior displacement was <3 mm in 31 patients, 3-5 mm in 18 patients, and >5 mm in 12 patients. The ACL reconstruction failure rate of observation group (67.9%) was significantly higher than that of control group (19.7%) (χ2=27.700, P=0.000). ConclusionAfter ACL reconstruction, medial meniscus injury occurs under no trauma history circumstances, indicating ACL reconstruction failure.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of meniscal allograft in treatment of discoid meniscus tear. Methods Between May 2005 and September 2009, 7 cases of discoid meniscus tear were treated with meniscal allograft. There were 2 males and 5 females with an average age of 22.6 years (range, 18-33 years). The locations were the left knee in 5cases and the right knee in 2 cases. The causes were sport trauma in 4 cases, impact injury in 2 cases, and no apparent reason in 1 case. Of them, 7 cases had joint tenderness gap, 2 cases had positive results in floating patella test, 7 cases had positive results in McMurray test, and 6 cases had positive results in squatting test. The range of knee motion was 0-60°. The disease duration ranged from 3 months to 17 years (median, 26 months). Results The number of the pins was 9-13 (mean, 11). The operative time ranged from 1.5 to 2.7 hours (mean, 1.7 hours). The postoperative fever time ranged from 31 to 57 hours (mean, 46.4 hours). Incisions healed by first intention in 6 cases; infection occurred in 1 case after operation and was cured after 18 days of local irrigation with antibiotic sal ine. Seven patients were followed up 21.6 months on average (range, 12-53 months). The range of knee motion was 0-125°. All patients had the negative results of floating patella test, McMurray test, and squatting test. MRI showed that there was a good heal ing between the transplanted meniscus and the surrounding synovium. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score was 80.71 ± 4.82 at 6 months after operation, showing significant difference (t=10.11, P=0.00) when compared with the score (41.71 ± 8.07) before operation. Conclusion Meniscal allograft in treatment of discoid meniscus tear is a rel iable and effective method, which can ease knee pain.