A clinical sign to detect root avulsions of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus

Abstract

Making the clinical diagnosis of medial meniscus extrusion after knee injury by applying a simple varus stress test to the knee and palpating the anteromedial meniscal extrusion might help physicians to suspect a medial meniscus root tear in the early stages after the injury as well as to evaluate its reduction after repair. A varus stress test in full extension should be performed systematically in patients where a root tear of the medial meniscus is suspected as well as after surgery to evaluate the success of the repair.

Meniscal root tear repair: why, when and how?

“… 33 Recently, Seil et al . 34 described a clinical test for medial meniscal root avulsions. The test is performed by palpating the medial meniscal extrusion when performing a varus stress in full extension.…”

Meniscal root tears: a silent epidemic

“…Another common symptom is a popping sound that is heard while participating in light activities, like ascending stairs or squatting 47. Seil et al 48 described a test that has proven useful in diagnosing a medial meniscal root tear. It involves applying a varus stress to the knee while it is relaxed and in full extension and palpating the anteromedial joint line 48.…”

“…Seil et al 48 described a test that has proven useful in diagnosing a medial meniscal root tear. It involves applying a varus stress to the knee while it is relaxed and in full extension and palpating the anteromedial joint line 48. When there is a medial meniscal root avulsion, meniscal extrusion may be palpated at the medial joint line and the extrusion disappears when the knee is moved back to its normal anatomical position 48.…”

“…It involves applying a varus stress to the knee while it is relaxed and in full extension and palpating the anteromedial joint line 48. When there is a medial meniscal root avulsion, meniscal extrusion may be palpated at the medial joint line and the extrusion disappears when the knee is moved back to its normal anatomical position 48. In addition, when performing a physical exam, it is important to identify if the patient has varus alignment or a high BMI because these have also been reported to be significant risk factors for medial meniscal root tears45 …”

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“…The conventional method of valgus stress may not facilitate full posterior visualization and instrumentation without Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) injury or damaging intra-articular cartilage. Few new techniques and maneuvers have been presented to facilitate the access to the posteromedial corner using new portals and instruments [7][8][9][10] or by doing soft tissue release [11].…”