The effects of partial meniscectomy and meniscal repair on the knee proprioception and function

Purpose: Aim of our study was to compare the effects of partial meniscectomy and meniscus repair on knee proprioception and function. Methods: The study included 46 patients with clinical and radiological diagnosis of meniscal tear and accompanying anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. The patients were evaluated under two groups: group 1: partial meniscectomy and ACL reconstruction, and group 2: meniscal repair and ACL reconstruction. Proprioceptive and functional evaluation of all patients was performed prior to surgery and on postoperative 12th month. Results: Group 1 consists of 18 male and 1 female patients with an average age of 28.78 +/- 3.50. Group 2 consists of 23 male and 4 female patients with an average age of 27.14 +/- 3.65. Preoperative evaluation revealed significant differences in knee joint position sense values on wide range of knee motion (15 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, and 75 degrees) in both groups. The statistically significant difference was observed in only the range of knee motion of 60 degrees in patients underwent meniscal repair (group 2), whereas in the range of knee motion of 45 degrees, 60 degrees, and 75 degrees in patients underwent partial meniscectomy (group 1) at 12th-month control. According to Lysholm knee scoring system, significantly better results were achieved with meniscal repair compared to the partial meniscectomy at 12th-month control. Conclusion: In case of ACL rupture accompanied by meniscal tear, the meniscal repair should be sutured, if possible, in order to obtain better results in terms of knee function and proprioception.