MENISCAL REPAIR IN THE YOUNG ATHLETE

Twenty-nine meniscal repairs in 26 patients 17 years of age or younger were performed using arthroscopic techniques. Clinical follow-up exam inations were performed and the SF-36 Health Status Survey and Interna tional Knee Documentation Committee evaluation form were administered. A Lysholm score was determined for each patient. All 26 patients were seen for follow-up at an average of 5.0 years (range, 2.0 to 13.5). A ll patients had a full range of motion with no effusion, joint line te nderness, or McMurray sign present at the time of examination. No pati ent experienced symptoms of locking. No patient underwent repeat surge ry for a nonhealed meniscal repair. The clinical healing rate in this group was 100%. The SF-36 data demonstrated an average physical functi oning score of 91 and an average role physical score of 91. The averag e Lysholm score was 90. Twenty-two patients (85%) were performing leve l I activities based on the International Knee Documentation Committee rating. Excellent rates of healing, even higher than those obtained i n the adult population, can be obtained with meniscal repairs performe d in this young age group.