Does meniscal release confer similar clinical benefits to meniscal tear treatment when compared to meniscectomy?

Published:

2020-12-21

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DOI

https://doi.org/10.18849/ve.v5i4.339

Abstract

PICO question

In adult dogs with naturally occurring medial meniscal tears concurrent to cranial cruciate ligament disease does meniscal release confer the same benefits in lameness resolution as meniscectomy?

 

Clinical bottom line

Category of research question

Treatment

The number and type of study designs reviewed

A single prospective cross-sectional study was reviewed, that fulfilled the criteria

Strength of evidence

None

Outcomes reported

Meniscal release, meniscectomy (partial, hemi- or complete), or the two combined performed for concurrent medial meniscal pathology at time of surgery for naturally occurring cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture resulted in an acceptable long-term outcome. Difference in outcome between the techniques was not reported

Conclusion

There is no evidence that meniscal release provides an equal or superior treatment option for medial meniscal injury treated at the time of surgery for CCL rupture when compared to meniscectomy. The study critically reviewed performed meniscal release via radial transection through the meniscotibial ligament, and therefore does not represent mid-body abaxial radial release. Neither is this summary appropriate for considering prophylactic meniscal release of the normal meniscus. In addition, the surgical treatments for cranial cruciate ligament rupture were either ‘Tightrope’ or tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) procedures. Further studies are required to compare clinical outcome between meniscal release or meniscectomy for treatment of concurrent meniscal tears

 

How to apply this evidence in practice

The application of evidence into practice should take into account multiple factors, not limited to: individual clinical expertise, patient’s circumstances and owners’ values, country, location or clinic where you work, the individual case in front of you, the availability of therapies and resources.

Knowledge Summaries are a resource to help reinforce or inform decision making. They do not override the responsibility or judgement of the practitioner to do what is best for the animal in their care.

 

Open Access Peer Reviewed

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Vol. 5 No. 4 (2020): The fourth issue of 2020

Section: Knowledge Summaries

Categories :  Small Animal  /  Dogs  /  Cats  /  Rabbits  /  Production Animal  /  Cattle  /  Sheep  /  Pig  /  Equine  /  Exotics  /