The Fate of Meniscus Tears Left In Situ at the Time of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction A 6-Year Follow-up Study From the MOON Cohort

Background:The management of meniscus tears identified at the time of primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is highly variable and includes repair, meniscectomy, and nontreatment.Hypothesis/Purpose:The purpose of this study was to determine the reoperation rate for meniscus tears left untreated at the time of ACL reconstruction with a minimum follow-up of 6 years. The hypothesis was that small peripheral tears identified at the time of ACL reconstruction managed with “no treatment” would have successful clinical outcomes.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:Patients with meniscus tears left untreated at the time of primary ACL reconstruction were identified from a multicenter study group with a minimum 6-year follow-up. Patient, tear, and reoperation data were obtained for analysis. The need for reoperation was used as the primary endpoint, with analysis performed to determine patient and tear characteristics associated with reoperation.Results:There were 194 patients ...