Preoperative MRI and Radiographic Parameters in Medial Meniscus Root Tears and Repair Outcomes

Preoperative MRI and Radiographic Parameters Are Associated With Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Tears and Predict Mid-Term Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes After Repair

This retrospective observational study aims to investigate whether specific preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and radiographic parameters are associated with medial meniscus posterior root tears (MMPRT), and whether these parameters have predictive value for mid-term clinical and radiographic outcomes after arthroscopic repair.

Patients with arthroscopically confirmed MMPRT treated between 2020 and 2024 are evaluated based on their preoperative MRI and standing knee radiographs. Imaging parameters of interest include medial tibial slope, meniscal extrusion, tibial plateau depth, posterior root angle, and intercondylar notch morphology. Clinical outcomes are assessed using standardized scoring systems. The study aims to identify imaging-based anatomical risk factors to improve diagnosis, patient selection, and prognosis following MMPRT repair.

This retrospective observational study investigates the role of specific preoperative MRI and radiographic parameters in the diagnosis and prognosis of medial meniscus posterior root tears (MMPRT). Conducted at the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Karadeniz Technical University Farabi Hospital, the study aims to clarify whether morphologic imaging findings-such as medial tibial slope, meniscal extrusion, tibial plateau depth, posterior root angle, and intercondylar notch morphology-are associated with the presence of MMPRT and influence postoperative outcomes following arthroscopic repair.

All imaging measurements were performed using standardized techniques on MRI and radiographs obtained prior to surgery. Parameters were assessed by two independent orthopedic surgeons on separate occasions to evaluate interobserver reliability. A matched control group of patients without meniscal pathology was formed to strengthen the comparative analysis and support the identification of risk factors.

By analyzing a wide range of anatomic features on imaging, this study seeks to enhance early diagnostic accuracy, improve patient selection for surgical repair, and refine prognostic counseling. The findings are expected to contribute to the development of objective, imaging-based indicators that can guide clinical decision-making and predict mid-term clinical and radiographic outcomes after MMPRT repair.

Inclusion Criteria:

Patients aged 18 years or older

Arthroscopically confirmed medial meniscus posterior root tear (MMPRT) diagnosis

Availability of preoperative knee MRI and standing long-leg radiographs

Minimum 24-month clinical and radiographic follow-up

Exclusion Criteria:

Lateral meniscus tear

Kellgren-Lawrence grade 3 or higher knee osteoarthritis

Advanced ligament injuries

History of previous knee surgery, osteotomy, or arthroplasty

Poor imaging quality

Mechanical axis deformities (varus or valgus alignment)

Follow-up period less than 24 months