(Fig 1-E.16) Partial healing, a partial tear of Transtibial Pullout Repair

https://youtu.be/zQJLfC2g2ZY

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1️⃣ Summary of Meniscal Root Repair Healing Criteria and MRI Interpretation Challenges

 

 • Complete Healing: Defined as the continuity of the repaired meniscal root across axial, coronal, and sagittal planes.

 • Partial Healing: Identified when continuity is observed in one or two of these planes.

 • Repeat Tear: Recognized by the absence of continuity in all three planes.

2️⃣ MRI Criteria for Repeat Tear:

 

 • Includes root discontinuity and fluid signal intensity in the repaired root. However, such signal abnormalities can also indicate edematous or fibrous scar tissue, not necessarily incomplete healing, especially common in the early postoperative period.

 

3️⃣ Challenges in MRI Interpretation:

 

 • Increased signal due to edema, cysts, or scar tissue near the repair site can complicate interpretations.

4️⃣ Healing Timeline:

 

 • Complete meniscal healing is generally expected within 4–6 months post-surgery.

 • Notably, an intermediate-to-high signal may persist in up to 50% of patients for as long as 12.9 years postoperatively, indicating prolonged healing processes or residual signal changes post-repair.

 

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