Comparison of Biomechanical Indices, Function, Functional Balance, and Knee Proprioception After Meniscectomy and Meniscal Repair in Patients with Longitudinal Meniscal Tear: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Comparisons between meniscectomy and meniscal repair have been studied; however, no studies focus on their biomechanical outcomes and functional effects in cases of longitudinal meniscal tears. Objectives: We aimed to assess biomechanical indices, function, balance, and proprioception in patients with longitudinal meniscal tears one year post-meniscectomy and meniscal repair. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 48 patients with meniscal injuries, of whom 24 underwent meniscus repair and 24 received meniscectomy, both assessed one year post-surgery. The knee evaluations were performed using standardized tools, including the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) to evaluate function, the Star test for functional balance, and digital photography for proprioception. Furthermore, biomechanical parameters, including eyes-opened/closed conditions, were studied using a force plate. All tests were conducted in a single session on surgical and non-surgical knees for all patients. Results: Our results indicate that mediolateral velocity and anterior-posterior displacement in static balance were significantly higher under eyes-opened conditions in meniscal repair compared to meniscectomy (P < 0.05), with no significant differences between the surgical and non-surgical knees (P > 0.05 for all parameters). The two groups had no significant differences in dynamic balance parameters (vertical P = 0.37, anterior P = 0.74, and overall axis P = 0.18) and knee function scores (symptoms P = 0.72, pain P = 0.56, daily living activities (ADL) P = 0.20, sport P = 0.72, quality of life (QOL) P = 0.16, total P = 0.71). Proprioception was significantly different in three ranges of knee motion (30°, 45°, and 90°) in intragroup (P < 0.05), with no significant differences between the surgical knee methods (30° P = 0.17, 45° P = 0.77, and 90° P = 0.19). Functional balance also showed intergroup differences for the 8-reach distance of meniscectomy and meniscal repair was significant (P < 0.05), but did not significantly differ between the two surgical methods. Conclusions: At one-year follow-up, both groups exhibited residual biomechanical, functional balance, and proprioceptive impairments in the surgical knee compared to the contralateral, healthy knee. The type of surgery (meniscectomy vs. meniscal repair) does not significantly change the assessed outcomes one year following either surgical procedure.