Magnetic Resonance Imaging is not suitable for interpretation of meniscal status ten years after arthroscopic repair

Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess the MRI features of the all-inside repaired meniscus in the long-term. Methods Among 27 consecutive all-inside arthroscopic meniscal repairs, 23 patients aged 25 +/- 5 years at the time of surgery were reviewed at a median follow-up of 10 +/- 1 years. Retrospective clinical examinations and imaging assessments using a 1.5-T MRI after all-inside arthroscopic meniscal repair were conducted. Results At follow-up, Lysholm and IKDC averaged 89 +/- 11 and 95 +/- 8, respectively. MRI examinations revealed no meniscal signal alteration in three patients (13 %), a vertical signal located in the previously torn area in seven (30 %), a horizontal grade 3 in nine (39 %), and a complex tear (grade 4) in four (17.5 %). There were no differences between medial and lateral menisci (p = 0.15), stable and stabilised knees (p = 0.56). Conclusions Several abnormal vertical and/or horizontal hypersignals are still present on MRI examination ten years after arthroscopic all-inside meniscal repair. The appearance of early signs of osteoarthritis is rare, suggesting a chondroprotective effect of the repaired meniscus.