Purpose: The preservation of meniscal structure and function after segmental meniscal loss is of crucial importance to prevent early development of osteoarthritis. Implantation of artificial meniscal implants has been reported as a feasible treatment option. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results 4 years after implantation of a polyurethane scaffold for chronic segmental medial meniscus deficiency following partial medial meniscectomy.
Methods: Eighteen patients received arthroscopic implantation of an Actifit(®) polyurethane meniscal implant (Orteq Sports Medicine, London, UK) for deficiency of the medial meniscus. Patients were followed at 6, 12, 24, and 48 months. Clinical outcome was assessed using established patient-reported outcome scores (KOOS, KSS, UCLA Activity Scale, VAS for pain). Radiological outcome was quantified by MRI scans after 6, 12, 24, and 48 months evaluating scaffold morphology, tissue integration, and status of the articular cartilage as well as signs of inflammation.
Results: Median patient age was 32.5 years (range 17-49 years) with a median meniscal defect size of 44.5 mm (range 35-62 mm). Continuing improvement of the VAS and KSS Knee and Function Scores could be observed after 48 months compared to baseline, whereas improvement of the activity level according to UCLA continued only up to 24 months and decreased from there on. The KOOS Score showed significant improvement in all dimensions. MRI scans showed reappearance of bone bruises in two patients with scaffold extrusion. No significant changes in the articular cartilage could be perceived.
Conclusion: Arthroscopic treatment for patients with chronic segmental meniscal loss using a polyurethane meniscal implant can achieve sustainable midterm results regarding pain reduction and knee function.
Level of evidence: IV.
Keywords: Actifit; Biodegradable scaffold; Irreparable meniscal defect; MRI; Meniscus; Partial meniscectomy; Polyurethane scaffold.