Work, sport activities and factors associated with medial meniscal tears in nonathletic subjects

Background: It is known that late surgical reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is associated with a medial meniscal (MM) tears. However, the association between factors relating to sports and work activities and joint instability, has not been examined in non-athletic subjects. Objective: To compare sports and work activities and other factors associated with MM tears, in subjects with ACL rupture. Method: A case-control design study, of patients with ACL injury, 140 cases and 140 controls with and without a rupture of MM respectively, were included. Sociodemographic factors, sports and work activities were compared. Results: The independent factors associated with MM ruptures were continuing sports activities after injury (odds ratio [OR]: 3.6; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.7-7.9), joint instability (OR: 2.2; 95% CI: 1.8-2.6), time between injury and surgical intervention (time of evolution) (OR: 1.003; 95% CI: 1.0-1.01) and age (OR: 1.1; 95% CI: 1.03-1.1). Conclusions: Intense activities of daily life such as continuing sports activities, after an ACL injury in non-athletic factory workers subjects, without previous training, as well as, age, joint instability and surgical delay are risk factors for rupture of MM.