MENISCAL IMPINGEMENT SYNDROME

The meniscal impingement syndrome consists of three elements: impactio n on the anterior medial femoral condyle by the leading edge of the me dial meniscus, articular cartilage damage of at least Outerbridge grad e 3, and knee hyperextension of at least 5 degrees. This report review s this condition in a series of seven knees with an average follow-up of 39 months. The time from the onset of symptoms until surgery averag ed 45 months. Treatment consisted of a thorough arthroscopic knee eval uation and debridement of the articular cartilage fragmentation and an y impinging synovitis. Postoperative rehabilitation includes extension block bracing, hamstring strengthening, and closed-chain exercise. Wi th this regimen, there was improvement in the Tegner scores and a redu ction in postoperative knee hyperextension. Identification of this unc ommon condition requires a complete evaluation of the medial femoral c ondyle in patients with knee hyperextension.