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The Lateral Meniscus Oblique Radial Tear (LMORT)

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

The lateral meniscus oblique radial tear (LMORT) of the posterior horn is a relatively new term for one of the more common types of lateral meniscal tears found in patients with acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. Given the importance of anatomical reduction and preservation of the lateral meniscus to maintain normal knee stability and slow the progression of early-onset osteoarthritis, LMORT classification and treatment guidelines have been formulated. This article provides a review of the prevalence, classification, biomechanics, surgical repair techniques, and outcomes related to LMORT injuries.

Recent Findings

Current research demonstrates favorable clinical results when LMORTs are surgically treated based on recent evidence. Biomechanically, repair of the higher grade 3 and 4 LMORT lesions have led to comparable results when compared to an intact lateral meniscus, and superior results when compared to partial meniscectomy and untreated tears. Ongoing research is aimed to determine the difference between LMORT repairs compared to intact lateral menisci at the time of ACL surgery regarding comparable patient outcomes.

Summary

LMORT lesions are common tears of the lateral meniscus that should be treated surgically based on tear type at the time of ACL surgery. The benefit of doing so has already been demonstrated biomechanically.

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Data Availability

The Intraoperative arthroscopic images in figures 1-5 and 7-11are not publicly available in order to protect the patients' privacy; additionally, the data in tables 1-3 was retrieved from our institution's registry and may be available upon request. 

References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Columbia Orthopaedic Group, Columbia, MO, USA

    Adam V. Daniel & Patrick A. Smith

  2. The Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA

    Aaron J. Krych

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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Adam V. Daniel.

Ethics declarations

All patients signed an informed consent to be enrolled in our institution’s registry (Surgical Outcomes System [SOS]; Arthrex, Naples, FL) under the protection of the Salus IRB (Protocol: SOS #1).

Conflict of Interest

Adam V. Daniel, MD declares that he has no conflict of interest.

Aaron J. Krych, MD has received consulting fees from Arthrex, JRF, Vericel, and Responsive Arthroscopy; royalties from Arthrex and Responsive Arthroscopy; grants from DJO and Exatech; and research support from Aesculap/B.Braun, Ceterix, and Histogenics.

Patrick A. Smith, MD has received consulting fees and royalties from Arthrex; compensation for services other than consulting from Alpha Orthopedic Systems and Medical Device Business Services; support for education from Elite Orthopedics; and hospitality payments from Sanofi-Aventis, Davol Inc, Flexion Therapeutics, Scilex Pharmaceuticals, DePuy Synthes Sales, Lilly, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, and Breg.

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Daniel, A.V., Krych, A.J. & Smith, P.A. The Lateral Meniscus Oblique Radial Tear (LMORT). Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med 16, 306–315 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-023-09835-1

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