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NCT Number: NCT07089316

Preoperative MRI and Radiographic Parameters in Medial Meniscus Root Tears and Repair Outcomes

This retrospective observational study aims to investigate whether specific preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and radiographic parameters are associated with medial meniscus posterior root tears (MMPRT), and whether these parameters have predictive value for mid-term clinical and radiographic outcomes after arthroscopic repair.

Patients with arthroscopically confirmed MMPRT treated between 2020 and 2024 are evaluated based on their preoperative MRI and standing knee radiographs. Imaging parameters of interest include medial tibial slope, meniscal extrusion, tibial plateau depth, posterior root angle, and intercondylar notch morphology. Clinical outcomes are assessed using standardized scoring systems. The study aims to identify imaging-based anatomical risk factors to improve diagnosis, patient selection, and prognosis following MMPRT repair.

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Key information

Conditions

Tibial Meniscus Tears Leg Injuries Tibial Meniscus Injuries Wounds and Injuries

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Karadeniz Technical University, Orthopedic and Traumatology Department

Trabzon, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

This retrospective observational study investigates the role of specific preoperative MRI and radiographic parameters in the diagnosis and prognosis of medial meniscus posterior root tears (MMPRT). Conducted at the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Karadeniz Technical University Farabi Hospital, the study aims to clarify whether morphologic imaging findings-such as medial tibial slope, meniscal extrusion, tibial plateau depth, posterior root angle, and intercondylar notch morphology-are associated with the presence of MMPRT and influence postoperative outcomes following arthroscopic repair.

All imaging measurements were performed using standardized techniques on MRI and radiographs obtained prior to surgery. Parameters were assessed by two independent orthopedic surgeons on separate occasions to evaluate interobserver reliability. A matched control group of patients without meniscal pathology was formed to strengthen the comparative analysis and support the identification of risk factors.

By analyzing a wide range of anatomic features on imaging, this study seeks to enhance early diagnostic accuracy, improve patient selection for surgical repair, and refine prognostic counseling. The findings are expected to contribute to the development of objective, imaging-based indicators that can guide clinical decision-making and predict mid-term clinical and radiographic outcomes after MMPRT repair.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Patients aged 18 years or older

Arthroscopically confirmed medial meniscus posterior root tear (MMPRT) diagnosis

Availability of preoperative knee MRI and standing long-leg radiographs

Minimum 24-month clinical and radiographic follow-up

Exclusion criteria

Lateral meniscus tear

Kellgren-Lawrence grade 3 or higher knee osteoarthritis

Advanced ligament injuries

History of previous knee surgery, osteotomy, or arthroplasty

Poor imaging quality

Mechanical axis deformities (varus or valgus alignment)

Follow-up period less than 24 months

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

  1. Medial Tibial Slope

    Time frame: Preoperative MRI assessment

    Measured in degrees (°) on sagittal MRI. It is the angle between the tangent to the medial tibial plateau and the anatomical axis of the proximal tibia, drawn using a line connecting the anterior and posterior cortices of the plateau.

  2. Medial Meniscus Extrusion

    Time frame: Preoperative MRI assessment

    Measured in millimeters (mm) on coronal MRI. Defined as the distance from the outer margin of the medial meniscus to the edge of the tibial plateau

  3. Tibial Plateau Depth

    Time frame: Preoperative MRI assessment

    Measured in millimeters (mm) on sagittal MRI. It is the perpendicular depth from the deepest point of the medial tibial plateau concavity to a reference line connecting the anterior and posterior cortical rims.

  4. Intercondylar Notch Width

    Time frame: Preoperative MRI assessment

    Measured in millimeters (mm) on axial MRI images. Width of the intercondylar notch at the level of the popliteal groove.

  5. Intercondylar Distance

    Time frame: Preoperative MRI assessment

    Measured in millimeters (mm) on axial MRI. The distance between the outer surfaces of the medial and lateral femoral condyles at the level of the intercondylar notch.

  6. Medial Femoral Condyle Angle

    Time frame: Preoperative MRI assessment

    Measured in degrees (°) on sagittal MRI. It is the angle between the femoral anatomical axis and the curvature of the medial femoral condyle.

  7. Notch Width Index (ICNW/ICD Ratio)

    Time frame: Preoperative MRI assessment

    A unitless ratio obtained by dividing the intercondylar notch width by the intercondylar distance on axial MRI at the level of the popliteal groove.

  8. Notch Shape

    Time frame: Preoperative MRI assessment

    Morphological classification based on axial MRI. The intercondylar notch is categorized into A-type, U-type, or W-type based on its geometric configuration.

  9. Presence of Osteophyte (Spur)

    Time frame: Preoperative MRI assessment

    Binary variable (Yes/No) indicating the presence of an osteophyte at the intercondylar notch on axial or sagittal MRI.

  10. Medial Femoral Condyle Width (MFCW)

    Time frame: Preoperative MRI assessment

    Measured in millimeters (mm) on coronal MRI. The width of the medial tibial plateau at its maximum span.

  11. Medial Tibial Plateau Width (MTPW)

    Time frame: Preoperative MRI assessment

    Measured in millimeters (mm) on coronal MRI. The width of the medial tibial plateau at its maximum span.

  12. MFCW/MTPW Ratio

    Time frame: Preoperative MRI assessment

    Unitless ratio calculated by dividing medial femoral condyle width (MFCW) by medial tibial plateau width (MTPW) on coronal MRI.

  13. Medial Femoral Condyle Distal Offset Distance

    Time frame: Preoperative MRI

    Measured in millimeters (mm) on sagittal MRI at the level of the medial femoral condyle midpoint (defined on coronal MRI) as the perpendicular distance from the intercondylar axis to the most distal point of the condyle.

  14. Medial Femoral Condyle Posterior Offset Distance

    Time frame: Preoperative MRI

    Measured in millimeters (mm) on the same sagittal MRI slice as the distal offset, defined as the distance from the intercondylar axis to the most posterior point of the condyle.

  15. MFC Distal / Posterior Offset Ratio

    Time frame: Preoperative MRI

    A unitless ratio calculated by dividing the medial femoral condyle distal offset distance by its posterior offset distance on sagittal MRI.

Secondary outcomes

  1. International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Score

    Time frame: Preoperative and minimum 24-month postoperative follow-up

    Scored from 0 to 100, this subjective assessment evaluates knee symptoms, function, and ability to engage in sports activities. Higher scores indicate better outcomes.

  2. Lysholm Knee Score

    Time frame: Preoperative and minimum 24-month postoperative follow-up

    Scored from 0 to 100, this questionnaire evaluates limping, support, locking, pain, swelling, stair climbing, and squatting. Higher scores indicate better knee function.

  3. Tegner Activity Scale

    Time frame: Preoperative and minimum 24-month postoperative follow-up

    Activity level is rated on a scale from 0 (disability) to 10 (elite sports). Assesses the return to daily or sports-related physical activity.

  4. Kellgren-Lawrence Grade Progression

    Time frame: Preoperative and minimum 24-month postoperative radiographs

    Graded on a 0-4 scale, this radiographic classification evaluates the severity of osteoarthritis. Progression indicates worsening joint degeneration.

  5. Medial Joint Space Width (JSW)

    Time frame: Preoperative and minimum 24-month postoperative radiographs

    Measured in millimeters (mm) on standing AP radiographs as the minimum vertical distance between the medial femoral condyle and tibial plateau. Reflects cartilage loss or joint space narrowing.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Karadeniz Technical University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Preoperative MRI and Radiographic Parameters Are Associated With Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Tears and Predict Mid-Term Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes After Repair

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jul 28, 2025
Registry last updated
Mar 20, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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