Is there actually a study showing that something doesn’t get worse as we age? Yes!
New work indicates that patients over the age of 40 don’t fare worse than those under 40 when it comes to meniscal repair.
The study, “Meniscal repair in patients age 40 years and older: A systematic review of 11 studies and 148 patients,” was published in the December 2018 edition of The Knee.
David Flanigan, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and co-author on the study, explained his work to OTW, “Meniscus tears are the most common injury treated by orthopedic surgeons.”
“From other injuries, we know that age can influence outcomes. Specifically for meniscus injuries, as we get older the meniscus undergoes degeneration. The main goal of this study was to explore how age influenced meniscus repair results.”
The research looked at outcomes for 148 patients enrolled in 11 studies and found that the the overall failure rate was 10%. Flanigan and his co-authors said, “…Most tears [mentioned in the studies] were peripheral tears with avascular extension (9% overall failure rate) or without avascular extension (9% failure rate).”
“Among studies that reported a tear pattern, overall failure rates for vertical-longitudinal or bucket handle tears were 9% and complex and/or horizontal tears were 23%. Repairs with concomitant ACL [anterior cruciate ligament] reconstruction had a 5% overall failure rate versus 15% in ACL intact patients.”
Dr. Flanigan explained his conclusions to OTW, “Age really does not matter. If an appropriate tear that can be repaired is found, especially if it extends to a vascular zone, the results of repairs are consistent across age groups (regardless of age over 40 years old).”
“Whenever possible, the meniscus is worth saving and will have good results regardless of age. We have many tools currently that can address multiple types of tears we great success. Age of the patient should not influence the decision making process.”
I am a 67 y.o. PTA that has injured/possibly torn my meniscus. I currently work with outpatients & acute care patients in a hospital. This article was very helpful, positive & informative regarding my age.
Appreciate any updates with this article!
Thank you
I am a 56 year old woman who got hurt on the job and my meniscus was torn at the horn my doctor is telling me that because of blood supply they cannot suture and do the repair only clean it up is this
My question is this: how old were the oldest subjects? 70 +? Did any of them have loss of knee cartilage or arthritis? I am 69 with other knee issues. If my doctor recommends arthroscopy anyway- to “clean out” loose bodies, will it be worth it ? I’ve read some studies that suggest otherwise. Your thoughts?
I am 59yo w/f. I have a left medial tear. The tear is not like a torn paper. The tear is like a butterflied chicken breast. Is this something that can typically be repaired or does it need to be “trimmed”?
I am a retired Sports Physical Therapist. This sounds like a bucket handle tear. This type can fold & lock up the knee. I would recommend repair in this case. Two weeks ago I tore my meniscus at the posterior horn. It will probably heal on its own as it’s in a vascular zone. I’m 68 & studies are showing age isn’t a factor with repair. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9445464/