[Treatment of degenerative medial meniscus injury of knee joint by arthroscopy combined with small needle knife to release superficial medial collateral ligament of knee joint]

Abstract

Objective: To explore the clinical effect of arthroscopic combined with small needle knife in the treatment of degenerative medial meniscus (MM) injury of knee joint by releasing the superficial layer of medial collateral ligament (SMCL).

Methods: From February 2016 to November 2018, 56 patients (56 knees) with limited pain, strangulation and flexion in medial knee joint space were selected. X-ray Kellgren-Lawrence grading was I-II. MRI showed medial meniscus injury(III degree) of knee joint. There were 30 males(30 knees) and 26 females(26 knees). Arthroscopic MM plasty and small needle knife were used to release SMCL. The Lysholm knee score was used to evaluate the effect of operation.

Results: All 56 patients were followed up, and the duration ranged from 3 to 24 months, with an average of 10 months. According to the Lysholm knee score standard, the final follow-up was compared with that of before operation. The results showed that the preoperative knee score was 37.24±1.32, the latest follow-up knee score was 85.72±5.28, the knee score was higher than that before the operation(P<0.05).

Conclusions: Arthroscopy combined with small needle knife release of superficial medial collateral ligament in the treatment of degenerative medial knee meniscus injury can effectively improve the mechanical balance of the knee joint, improve Lysholm knee score in patients with knee meniscus injury, and promote the recovery of knee joint function, which has clinical value.

Keywords: Arthroscopes; Tibial meniscus injuries; small needle knife.