A Comparative Study on Outcomes of Partial Meniscectomy for Horizontal Cleavage Tear of Medial Meniscus: Complete versus Partial Resection of Inferior Leaf

The extent to which resection of unstable leaf should be performed in horizontal cleavage meniscus tear has not yet been elucidated. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of partial meniscectomy for horizontal cleavage tear of medial meniscus between complete resection of inferior leaf including the periphery up to the joint capsule and partial resection leaving stable peripheral torn meniscal tissue. A total of 126 patients who underwent partial meniscectomy for horizontal cleavage tear of medial meniscus were divided into two groups: group C (n = 34), treated with the complete resection of the inferior leaf; and group P (n = 92), treated with partial resection of the inferior leaf. The minimum follow-up duration was 3 years. Functional outcomes were evaluated using the Lysholm knee scoring scale, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective knee evaluation form, and knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS). Radiologic assessments were performed using the IKDC radiographic assessment scale and measurement of the height of the joint space in the medial compartment of the tibiofemoral joint. The functional outcomes including the Lysholm knee, IKDC subjective score, activities of daily living and sport and recreation subscale of KOOS were worse in group C than in group P (p < 0.001). The radiologic outcomes including postoperative IKDC radiographic scale (p = 0.003) and the postoperative joint space on the affected side (p < 0.001) were also worse in group C than in group P. In the horizontal cleavage tear of medial meniscus, complete resection of the inferior leaf including the periphery up to the joint capsule showed inferior clinical outcomes compared with partial resection leaving stable peripheral rim of torn meniscus at minimum 3-year follow-up. If the peripheral part of the inferior leaf is stable in horizontal cleavage tear of medial meniscus, partial resection of the inferior leaf preserving peripheral rim can be recommended.