Predilection of Patellofemoral Cartilage Lesions in Patients with Posterior Medial Meniscal Root Lesions

Objective The present study aims to compare the presence and severity of patellofemoral osteoarthritis between patients with root lesions and non-root lesions. Design A total of 102 patients were included in this study (51 root lesions and 51 non-root lesions). The root lesion cohort was matched to a non-root lesion cohort based on sex, body mass index, and age at the time of surgery. Radiographic evaluation with modified Outerbridge scoring of MRI of the knee was performed to determine the severity of degeneration of the knee joint preoperatively. Mann-Whitney and Independent t tests were used to compare the groups. Results The root lesion group had statistically greater Outerbridge patella scores (M = 2.45 & PLUSMN; 1.12) and trochlear scores (M = 2.27 & PLUSMN; 1.37) than the non-root lesion patients (M = 1.78 & PLUSMN; 1.30, P = 0.006, and M = 1.55 & PLUSMN; 1.40, P = 0.010, respectively). When using a new scale for grading patellofemoral arthritis, the root lesion group had statistically greater scores (M = 8.33 & PLUSMN; 3.38) than the non-root lesion patients (M = 5.67 & PLUSMN; 3.07) (P < 0.001). Conclusion Patients with root lesions have a greater degree of patellofemoral cartilage lesions than patients without root lesions. The presence of cartilage lesions preoperatively in root lesion patients has presented the question of whether repair is worthwhile or if one should delay surgery until arthroplasty is indicated. Future research should be carried out on outcomes of root repair surgery in patients with patellofemoral cartilage lesions, in addition to considering the patient's age, activity level, and other risk factors.