The associations between meniscus tear location and the prevalence and severity of cartilage wear in different knee compartments using an arthroscopic grading system

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-21-2025

Publication Title

Journal of Cartilage and Joint Preservation

Abstract

Introduction: Meniscus tears are associated with progressive cartilage degeneration and worsening osteoarthritis. Although several previous studies have explored the relationship between meniscus tears and cartilage damage, few have examined the relationship between tear location and cartilage wear in all knee compartments using an arthroscopic grading system. Objectives: Evaluate the association between meniscus tear location and the prevalence and severity of high-grade cartilage wear in knee compartments. Methods: A total of 210 patients were categorized into groups based on meniscus tear location: medial meniscus tear (MMT, n = 106), lateral meniscus tear (LMT, n = 41), and medial-lateral meniscus tear (MLMT, n = 63). The Outerbridge arthroscopic grading system was used to assess severity of cartilage wear in the medial, lateral, patellofemoral, and trochlear compartments during arthroscopic meniscectomy. Results: The MLMT group was significantly older than the MMT and LMT groups (P < . 001 for both). A significant association between cartilage wear grade and meniscus tear location was observed in all compartments except the medial femur (P =. 074) and trochlea (P =. 113). The prevalence of high-grade cartilage wear (Outerbridge arthroscopic grading system ≥ III) was high across all knee compartments and particularly in the medial tibia and medial femur. Within the lateral femur compartment, high-grade cartilage wear was significantly more prevalent in the LMT and MLMT groups than the MMT group (P =. 013). Conclusions: Meniscus tear location was significantly associated with the severity of cartilage wear with the most severe degeneration seen in patients with combined medial-lateral tears. These findings highlight the importance of considering tear patterns when evaluating knee osteoarthritis risk and treatment strategies.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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