Visualization and Reduction of a Meniscal Capsular Junction Tear in the Knee: An Arthroscopic Surgical Technique
Meniscal injuries commonly occur concomitantly with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. Although many types of meniscal injuries have been described in the literature, there has not been much focus on meniscal capsular junction (MCJ) tears. This lack of attention is concerning given that, in a survey of 67 orthopedic surgeons, 88% indicated that MCJ tears could be a source of chronic pain. In addition, we reviewed 781 ACL reconstructions at our clinic and found a 12.3% incidence of MCJ tear with primary ACL injury and a 23.6% incidence of MCJ tear with revision ACL reconstruction.
In this article, we describe an arthroscopic repair technique for MCJ tears at the posterior aspect of the medial meniscus root. The repair uses an accessory posterior medial portal. The technique can also be used for significant posterior medial capsular tears.
There is a vast amount of literature about the meniscus, but there are few current studies on the specific entity of MCJ tears. We think these tears act similarly to posterior meniscus tears and should be addressed similarly. MCJ tears are easily missed on anterior arthroscopy. In every knee arthroscopy, the posterior aspect of the knee should be checked for these injuries, particularly in ACL-deficient knees. A lesion found within the capsule can be repaired with the technique we have described.
