The short-term effect of meniscal RAMP lesion repair on postural stability and fall risk: A prospective case series

Abstract

Background RAMP lesions are common meniscal injuries associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, and growing interest has focused on their impact on functional outcomes following surgical repair. Aim This study evaluated the short-term effects of surgical repair of RAMP lesions in terms of balance, fall risk, and knee function scores in patients who have undergone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Methods Seven patients who underwent RAMP lesion repair in addition to ACLR were included in the study. Balance parameters (OSI, Overall Stability Index; APSI, Anterior Posterior Stability Index; MLSI, Medial Lateral Stability Index) and fall risk (FRI, Fall Risk Index) were assessed using the Biodex Balance System, while knee function was evaluated using the Tegner Activity Level and Lysholm Knee Score preoperatively and at the 6th postoperative week. Results Six of the patients were male, one was female, and the mean age was 26.8 years (18-35). All followed the same postoperative rehabilitation protocol. OSI decreased from 0.48 (0.1-1.1) to 0.17 (0.1-0.3), APSI from 0.28 (0-0.5) to 0.11 (0.1-0.2), MLSI from 0.22 (0.1-0.5) to 0.12 (0.1-0.3), and FRI from 0.7 (0.4-1.3) to 0.48 (0.2-0.8) (all p < 0.05). Tegner score increased from 2.14 (0-4) to 4.14 (3-5), and Lysholm score from 48.85 (25-80) to 78.14 (64-95) (both p < 0.05). Conclusions RAMP lesion repair was associated with significant improvements in postural stability during the early postoperative period, reduced fall risk, and improved knee function scores following ACLR.