Arthroscopic Thermal Shrinkage for Hypermobile Lateral Meniscus

Background: The posterior segment of the lateral meniscus is relatively mobile as compared with that of the medial meniscus; that is because of its characteristic anatomy. Abnormal mobility of the lateral meniscus with no obvious rupture can be an unusual cause of knee pain and locking during deep knee flexion.

Purpose: To evaluate results for a small series of patients with hypermobile lateral meniscus, treated with thermal shrinkage of the supporting ligaments.

Study Design: Series of case reports.

Method: Five patients with hypermobile lateral meniscus were identified out of 625 patients who underwent meniscus surgery over a 20-month period. Thermal energy was applied to the peripheral zone of the lateral meniscus until abnormal translation was reduced. The patients were followed up an average of 21 months after the surgery.

Results: In 4 patients, no recurrence of locking was encountered in the postoperative period. In 1 patient, locking was experienced again 3 months after surgery and meniscal repair was performed.

Conclusions: Thermal shrinkage can be considered an appropriate treatment in place of subtotal meniscectomy or meniscal repair for hypermobility of the lateral meniscus.