Meniscal repair using the FasT-Fix device in patients with chronic meniscal lesions

High failure rate after medial meniscus bucket handle tears repair in the stable knee

BACKGROUND

It is nowadays recommended to "Save the meniscus". This paradigm is based on the affirmation that an extended meniscectomy exposes to the risk of long-term secondary osteoarthritis and the global failure rate of a longitudinal tear repair remains low, whether it is the medial or lateral meniscus, with or without anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. However, each kind of lesion has to be studied separate.

PURPOSE

The study aimed to focus on a homogeneous population of isolated repair of the bucket handle tear (BHT) of the medial meniscus (MM) in patients with stable knees to evaluate failure rate at a minimum of three years of follow-up. The secondary objectives were to evaluate any risk factors or protective factors of failure, clinical outcomes, and secondary amount of meniscectomy in failure cases compared to the amount of meniscus fixed in the first surgery.

METHODS

All patients who underwent arthroscopic repair of a BHT of the MM situated in the red-on-red or red-on white (RW) zone on a stable knee between January 2010 and December 2018 were evaluated retrospectively. Failure was defined as a need for reoperation for recurrence of meniscal symptoms (pain, locking) on the medial side with per-operative confirmation of the absence of healing. The following parameters were studied: demographics (age, gender, BMI), time from injury to surgery, clinical scores (Tegner, Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee [IKDC]), surgical findings (extent and zone of the tear), surgical management (number and type of suture).

RESULTS

Thirty-nine patients were included. The mean follow-up was 77.2±24.4 [36-141] months. Twenty-seven (69%) failures were recorded. In 56% (15/27) of the reoperations, the meniscectomy amount was smaller than what it would have been done in the first surgery. All clinical scores improved significantly from pre- to post-operatively; all patients met minimal clinically important differences for all the scores. No risk factors were found significant in the multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

Repairing an isolated BHT of the MM is associated with a high failure rate. Despite the failure, we observed that the meniscectomy area was smaller than documented in the primary surgery in most of the cases and repair must still be considered as the first option.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV; retrospective cohort series.

The Modified PROMT Score: A Better Prognosticative Tool to Assess Traumatic Meniscal Tear Reparability

Background

Considering various factors that influence meniscal repairability, Ortho One PROMT score (OPS) was proposed in 2019. With an increased understanding of factors influencing meniscal repair and by analysis of OPS predictions and repair results, a modified PROMT score (MPS) has been formulated. The objective of this study is to assess the superiority of MPS over OPS.

Methods

Age, chronicity, and pattern of tears were found to be important contributors to false-negative results of OPS. Considering these factors, MPS was designed. A prospective, double-blinded study was conducted between November 2020 and May 2021. Sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of both scores were calculated. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted.

Results

Of 133 meniscal tears, 100 met the inclusion criteria. In predicting meniscal repairability, OPS demonstrated sensitivity and specificity of 90.32% and 83.33% medially and 64.71% and 79.41% laterally. MPS had sensitivity and specificity of 96.77% and 88.89% medially and 82.35% and 88.24% laterally. Both scores showed good statistical significance (p < 0.05) in predicting meniscal reparability. For medial meniscus repairability, area under the ROC curve was 0.868 for OPS and 0.928 for MPS. For lateral repairability, the area under the curve was 0.721 for OPS and 0.853 for MPS.

Conclusion

MPS will serve as a simple and more effective tool for surgeons to predict meniscal repairability, thus enhancing their pre-surgical preparedness. This tool will also help surgeons to realistically counsel their patients and to achieve optimal patient.

Long-term follow-up of bucket-handle meniscal repairs: chondroprotective effect outweighs high failure risk

PURPOSE

Outcomes after repair of bucket-handle meniscal tears tend to be satisfying in the short-term follow-up. However, the literature is scarce regarding long-term data following repair of bucket-handle meniscal tears. The aim of this study was to assess long-term follow-up outcomes, focusing on knee osteoarthritis (OA) development and failure rate, and determine risk factors associated with failure.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study, including all patients with bucket-handle tears within 4 mm of the menisco-synovial junction, who underwent meniscal repair, either isolated or combined with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) between 2004 and 2015. A combination of all-inside, outside-in, and inside-out repair technique was used in all patients. Patients over 40 years old, concomitant multi-ligamentous injuries, and severe cartilage lesions documented intraoperatively were excluded. During the follow-up, a meniscus was considered healed using Barrett's criteria, while knee OA evaluation was performed according to Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) classification using standing knee radiographs. Patients were assessed preoperatively as well as postoperatively in terms of knee function using International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Lysholm score, and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS).

RESULTS

In total, the inclusion criteria were met by 66 patients. Median age at the time of operation was 21.9 years (13-39). Median follow-up was 114 (62-176) months. Total failure rate was approximately 33% at median time of 19 (6-39) months. Osteoarthritis was statistically significantly more prevalent in patients with failed repairs (mean KL score: 2.09) in comparison to patients with successful repairs (mean KL score: 0.54) p = 0.001. In addition, successful repairs were associated with higher KOOS score as compared with failed repairs (mean ± SD, 89.6 ± 4.6 vs 77.8 ± 4.9 p < 0.001), higher IKDC score (mean ± SD, 88.2 ± 5.1 vs 79.2 ± 5.2 p < 0.001), and Lysholm score (mean ± SD, 90.3 ± 5.3 vs 78.4 ± 7.8 p < 0.001). Patients with medial meniscus repair had 4.8 higher relative likelihood of failure compared to lateral meniscus [p = 0 .014, OR = 4.8 (95% Cl 1.2, 18.6)]. Patients over 16 years old had 5.7 higher relative likelihood of failure [p = 0 .016, OR = 5.7 (95% Cl 0.04, 0.85)]. Concurrent ACLR did not have a significant effect on the postoperative outcomes.

CONCLUSION

A high rate of clinical failure was observed after meniscal repair of bucket-handle tears. However, successful treatment led to lower rates of knee OA development and better knee function, approximately 10 years postoperatively. Meniscal repair of bucket-handle tears is recommended to improve knee function and prevent knee OA in young patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Comparison of new and old all-inside suture devices in meniscal cyst formation rates after meniscal repair

PURPOSE

We compared the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-confirmed cyst formation rate after meniscal tear repair using a new all-inside suture device (N group) versus the older all-inside suture device (O group).

METHODS

Between October 2008 and July 2017, 94 consecutive menisci of 89 patients were diagnosed with meniscal tears and underwent arthroscopic meniscal repair using the all-inside suture device. Five of these patients were lost to follow-up within 12 months and were excluded from the study. The remaining 89 menisci were followed up for at least 12 months and were included in this retrospective cohort study. Older all-inside suture devices (FasT-Fix, Ultra FasT-Fix) were used until December 2012, while the new all-inside suture device (FasT-Fix 360) was used from January 2013 onwards. Meniscal cysts were detected on T2-weighted fat-suppressed MRI at 12 months postoperatively. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify demographic and clinical factors associated with the use of the new all-inside suture device and cyst formation.

RESULTS

In total, 36 and 53 menisci were included in the N and O groups, respectively. The incidence of meniscal cysts was significantly greater in the O group (14 out of 53, 26.4%) than in the N group (two out of 36, 5.56%) (P = 0.012). Two patients in the O group had symptomatic cysts that required removal. Multivariate logistic analyses showed that the cyst formation risk significantly decreased after using the new all-inside suture device than the older all-inside suture devices (odds ratio = 0.139; P = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

The MRI-confirmed cyst formation rate after meniscal tear repair was significantly lower using the new than the older all-inside suture devices, indicating that the use of a low-profile device may decrease the cyst formation rate.

Predictive Factors for Failure of Meniscal Repair: A Retrospective Dual-Center Analysis of 918 Consecutive Cases

Background:

Meniscal surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures performed by orthopaedic surgeons. Over the past decade, awareness has increased regarding the importance of meniscal preservation to prevent the development of osteoarthritis in the knee joint. Removal of meniscal tissue can lead to a high risk of cartilage degeneration, and moreover, meniscus-preserving surgery rather than meniscal resection is likely to have better long-term outcomes. Success rates after meniscal repair range from 60% to 95%, but many reports are based on a small number of patients.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to review all meniscal repairs and potential predictors for failure during a 12-year period. We hypothesized that meniscal anchors, lateral repairs, and repairs made in conjunction with an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) would have fewer failures than meniscal arrows, medial repairs, and isolated repairs. We also hypothesized that younger patients and acute tears would be associated with fewer failures.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

This study was a dual-center, retrospective analysis on consecutive meniscal repairs. The surgical protocols were reviewed, including type of tear, location, associated injury to the knee, and surgery. The study endpoint was failure of repair, defined as a need for reoperation and secondary partial or total meniscal resection, within 3 years. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to assess repair survival, with multivariate Cox regression to adjust for confounders.

Results:

A total of 954 meniscal repairs were performed on 918 patients (536 male patients [58%]; 382 female patients [42%]) with a mean age of 26 years (range, 12-60 years). The failure rate for the entire cohort was 22.5%. Bioabsorbable arrows had significantly more failures than all-inside sutures with anchors (hazard ratio [HR], 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2-2.5; P = .002). Medial meniscal repairs had a higher failure rate than lateral meniscal repairs (HR, 3.7; 95% CI, 2.3-6.0; P < .001). Simultaneous ACLR resulted in less failure than when no simultaneous ACLR was performed (HR, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.3-0.9; P = .009). Age at repair and acuity of tear did not affect the outcome (P = .6 and .07, respectively).

Conclusion:

The failure rate after meniscal repair was significantly higher on the medial side, especially when using arrows. Meniscal repairs performed concomitantly with an ACLR result in fewer reoperations.

Second-look arthroscopic findings and clinical outcomes of meniscal repair with concomitant anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: comparison of suture and meniscus fixation device

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the healing rate of repaired meniscus and functional outcomes of patients who received all-inside meniscal repair using sutures or devices with concomitant arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Among the patients who have ACL tear and posterior horn tear of medial or lateral meniscus, 61 knees who received all-inside repair using sutures (suture group, n = 28) or meniscal fixation devices (device group, n = 33) with concomitant ACL reconstruction during the period from January 2012 to December 2015, followed by second-look arthroscopy, were retrospectively reviewed. Healing status of the repair site was assessed by second-look arthroscopy. Through the clinical assessment, clinical success (negative medial joint line tenderness, no history of locking or recurrent effusion, and negative McMurray test) rate of the repaired meniscus and functional outcomes (International Knee Documentation Committee subjective score and Lysholm knee score) was evaluated.

RESULTS

In a comparison of healing status of repaired meniscus evaluated by second-look arthroscopy, suture group had 23 cases of complete healing (82.1%), 4 cases of incomplete healing (14.3%), and 1 case of failure (3.6%). Device group had 18 cases of complete healing (54.5%), 4 cases of incomplete healing (24.2%), and 7 cases of failure (21.2%) (p = 0.048). Clinical success rate of the meniscal repair was 89.3% (25 cases) and 81.8% (27 cases) in suture group and device group, respectively (p = 0.488). No significant difference of functional outcomes was observed between the two groups (p > 0.05, both parameters).

CONCLUSIONS

Among the patients who received meniscal repair with concomitant ACL reconstruction, suture group showed better healing status of repaired meniscus based on the second-look arthroscopy than device group. However, no significant between-group difference of clinical success rate and functional outcomes was observed.

Factors Predicting Failure Rates and Patient-Reported Outcome Measures After Arthroscopic Meniscal Repair

PURPOSE

To identify factors that affect patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and failure rates after arthroscopic meniscal repair.

METHODS

Embase, Embase Classic, and MEDLINE were searched on August 7, 2015, December 23, 2016, and March 11, 2018, for factors associated with PROMs and failure rates after arthroscopic meniscal repair. We excluded studies that (1) were non-English language, (2) did not use human patients, (3) were nonclinical, (4) did not analyze for factors that predicted PROMs or failure rates, and (5) were below Level IV evidence. Studies were graded into higher and lower quality using the Downs and Black scale.

RESULTS

A total of 34 articles met our criteria, and 32 were graded. We identified 16 articles as higher quality. Among higher-quality studies, factors that significantly predicted reduced failure rates were concurrent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) (n = 6) and reduced tear complexity (n = 4). Factors that did not significantly impact failure rates were side of repair (n = 8), sex (n = 7), time from injury to surgery (n = 7), age (n = 7), rim width (n = 6), and tear length (n = 5). Factors predicting better PROMs were time from injury to surgery of less than 3 months (n = 1), Outerbridge scores below grade 3 or 4 (n = 2), and reduced varus alignment (n = 2). Factors that did not significantly impact PROMs were equipment used (n = 3) and concurrent ACLR (n = 1).

CONCLUSIONS

Factors affecting failure rates and PROMs after arthroscopic meniscal repair were identified. However, more and higher-quality studies supported concurrent ACLR and less complex tears as predictors of lower failure rates. PROMs were negatively affected by a longer time from injury to surgery, higher Outerbridge scores, and greater varus alignment before surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, systematic review of Level II to IV studies.

Incidence and Risk Factors for Meniscal Cyst After Meniscal Repair

PURPOSE

To investigate the incidence of magnetic resonance imaging-confirmed cyst formation after meniscal repair and to analyze associated risk factors.

METHODS

This retrospective study included cases repaired arthroscopically with the all-inside (AI) technique (using suture anchors) and/or the inside-out (IO) technique between October 2008 and December 2014. A meniscal cyst was detected on T2 fat-suppressed magnetic resonance images. All cases were divided into 3 groups according to the repair method (AI, IO, and combined technique). The incidence of radiographically confirmed meniscal cyst formation in each group and the associated risk factors (age, sex, AI device, medial meniscus, Tegner activity scale preinjury) were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 102 menisci in 96 knees were evaluated. The mean follow-up period was 3.8 (range, 2-8) years. The mean patient age was 21.0 (range, 6-53) years. Thirty cases were in the AI group, 60 in the IO group, and 12 in the combined group. Demographically, there were significant differences among groups regarding the number of medial, lateral, and discoid tears; concomitant anterior cruciate ligament tears; Tegner scale; and suture number. Meniscal cysts developed in 14 of 102 cases. Two of the 14 cysts were symptomatic, requiring open cystectomy. The incidence of meniscal cyst was significantly higher in the AI group (12 of 30, 40%) than in the IO group (1 of 60, 1.7%) or the combined-technique group (1 of 12, 8.3%) (P < .001). Both symptomatic cysts were in the AI group and were in continuity with the anchors. Medial meniscus tear (odds ratio = 6.92) and the use of AI suture anchors (odds ratio = 15.03) significantly increased the risk of cyst formation.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of meniscal cysts after arthroscopic meniscal repair was 1.7% to 40.0%, depending on the surgical method. Medial meniscus tears and use of an AI device are suggested as risk factors for cyst formation in this retrospective study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level Ⅲ, retrospective comparative study.

Arthroscopic Repair of Chronic Tears of the Anterior Horn of the Lateral Meniscus That Includes Covering the Lesion With an Infrapatellar Pedicle Fat Flap

This study analyzed the efficacy and safety of arthroscopic outside-in repair of the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus that includes covering the lesion with an infrapatellar pedicle fat flap in patients with chronic tears. This retrospective study reviewed 87 patients with chronic tears of the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus who underwent arthroscopic outside-in repair, which included covering the lesion with an infrapatellar pedicle fat flap (group A, n=45) or not (group B, n=42). The 2 groups were similar in terms of age, sex, body mass index, and disease duration. Patient results were assessed with Tegner, Lysholm, and visual analog scale scores; healing criteria; magnetic resonance imaging; and complication rates. Mean follow-up was 38.2 months. Tegner and Lysholm scores improved postoperatively in both groups (all P<.01) and were similar for the 2 groups (all P>.05). Visual analog scale scores were reduced postoperatively in both groups (P<.01) and similar for the 2 groups (P>.05). Healing rates and complication rates did not differ between the 2 groups (all P>.05), but healing on magnetic resonance imaging was better in group A than group B (P<.05). The repair of chronic tears of the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus can lead to good clinical outcomes and a satisfactory success rate. Covering the repair site with an infrapatellar pedicle fat flap may improve meniscal healing and does not increase the complication rate. [Orthopedics. 2018; 41(3):e360-e364.].

Comparable Outcomes After Bucket-Handle Meniscal Repair and Vertical Meniscal Repair Can Be Achieved at a Minimum 2 Years' Follow-up

BACKGROUND

Meniscal tears can lead to significant pain and disability, necessitating surgical treatment. Nondisplaced vertical tears are usually smaller in size and can be repaired in most cases; however, bucket-handle tears are usually larger and displaced, and the repair of these tears can be challenging. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose was to report the outcomes after inside-out vertical mattress suture meniscal repair of bucket-handle tears and to compare these outcomes with those of patients who underwent repair of nondisplaced vertical meniscal tears with a minimum of 2 years' follow-up. The hypothesis was that the outcomes of bucket-handle tear repair would be comparable with those of nondisplaced vertical meniscal tear repair.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

Patients who underwent inside-out repair of a bucket-handle meniscal tear or a nondisplaced vertical meniscal tear with a minimum 2 years' follow-up were included in this study. Patients were excluded if they had a diagnosis of a meniscal root tear, underwent a concomitant procedure for a chondral injury, or underwent previous surgical treatment of the same meniscus. Subjective questionnaires were administered preoperatively and postoperatively, including the Lysholm score, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), the Short Form-12 (SF-12) physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS), the Tegner activity scale, and patient satisfaction.

RESULTS

Thirty-two patients underwent repair for vertical meniscal tears (mean, 7 sutures), while 38 patients underwent repair for bucket-handle meniscal tears (mean, 11 sutures), with a mean follow-up of 3.1 years (range, 2-6 years). There were no significant differences in the preoperative outcome scores between the 2 groups. Significant improvements in patient-reported outcome scores from preoperatively to postoperatively were found in both groups. A direct comparison of the bucket-handle tear group to the vertical tear group did not exhibit significantly different SF-12 PCS scores (54.0 vs 51.6, respectively; P = .244), SF-12 MCS scores (55.3 vs 52.5, respectively; P = .165), WOMAC scores (8.1 vs 9.0, respectively; P = .729), Lysholm scores (84.6 vs 80.8, respectively; P = .276), Tegner scores (5.5 vs 5.5, respectively; P = .970), and patient satisfaction scores (7.4 vs 7.7, respectively; P = .570). Additionally, a comparison of acute and chronic bucket-handle tears demonstrated no significant difference in outcome scores.

CONCLUSION

The repair of bucket-handle meniscal tears with multiple vertical mattress sutures using an inside-out technique yielded improved results and low failure rates, comparable with outcomes after repair of nondisplaced vertical meniscal tears. The findings of this study support repairing bucket-handle meniscal tears with multiple vertical mattress sutures when possible.

MR-arthrography assessment after repair of chronic meniscal tears

PURPOSE

The aims of this study were to assess the healing rate of repair of chronically torn meniscal tear with MR-arthrography and to evaluate the relationship between the clinical and the radiographic outcomes and the impact of the meniscal section on healing.

METHODS

MR-arthrography was performed at a median of 10.5 months (range 6-55) after surgery in 28 patients and healing assessed using Henning's criteria. All lesions were chronic (>3 months). Repairs were carried out at a median 14 months (range 6-80) from initial diagnosis. Eleven patients (39%) had ACL ligament reconstruction as well. All lesions were located in the red or red-white zone. Patients were followed for a median of 18.5 months (range 8-68). Functional outcomes were evaluated using Barrett's healing criteria, Lysholm and Tegner score pre- and postoperatively.

RESULTS

Clinical healing of the lesion according to Barrett's criteria was achieved in 24 patients (85.7%). Both Lysholm and Tegner scores improved significantly after the surgery (p < 0.05). According to Henning's criteria, 15 of the menisci healed completely (53.5%), 10 partially (35.7%) and 3 failed (10.8%). There was no significant difference between the healing process in the posterior horn and the body of the meniscus (n.s.). No correlation was found between the healing results and the clinical scores. ACL reconstruction did not influence the healing process (n.s.). Patients waiting more than 1 year from lesion to surgery seem to have a higher rate of failure (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

The results found suggest good short-term clinical and anatomic outcomes post-repair of meniscal lesions, despite their chronic nature. Longer waiting times may have negative effects on the healing process. Partial healing occurred often, but the meniscus was painless and stable.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Retrospective case series, Level IV.

Suture versus FasT-Fix all-inside meniscus repair at time of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

PURPOSE

To compare meniscal healing and functional outcomes after all-inside meniscal repair between sutures and meniscal fixation devices.

METHODS

Sixty patients with a tear within the red-red or red-white zones of the posterior horn of the medial or lateral meniscus in conjunction with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear were included in this study. Meniscal repairs were performed with sutures in 35 patients and the FasT-Fix device (Smith & Nephew Endoscopy, Andover, MA) in 25 patients concomitantly with hamstring ACL reconstruction. Postoperative evaluations included Lysholm knee score, Tegner activity scale, Lachman and pivot-shift tests, and KT-1000 arthrometer (MEDmetric, San Diego, CA) testing. Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were obtained postoperatively for all patients to evaluate meniscal healing.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period was 47.2 months. In the suture group, 31 patients (86.1%) were asymptomatic and 4 (13.9%) were symptomatic. In the FasT-Fix group, 20 patients (80%) were asymptomatic and 5 (20%) were symptomatic. Postoperative functional evaluation and knee stability showed no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups. Follow-up MRI showed that 26 menisci (74.3%) were healed, 3 menisci (8.6%) were partially healed, and 6 menisci (17.1%) were not healed in the suture group. In the FasT-Fix group, 15 menisci (64%) were healed, 7 menisci (24%) were partially healed, and 3 menisci (12%) were not healed. Follow-up MRI showed no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups. In the FasT-Fix group, follow-up MRI showed a newly developed cyst posterior to the medial meniscus in 2 patients. A new tear anterior to the previous tear was found in 1 patient. In the suture group, follow-up MRI showed no cysts or new tears.

CONCLUSIONS

All-inside meniscal repairs using either sutures or the FasT-Fix device showed satisfactory results in patients with concomitant hamstring ACL reconstruction. There was no statistically significant difference in meniscal healing evaluated by MRI and functional outcomes between the 2 techniques.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Outcomes after repair of chronic bucket-handle tears of medial meniscus

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine the outcomes after repair of chronic bucket-handle medial meniscal tears by use of magnetic resonance imaging, clinical examination, and patient-reported outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients with chronic bucket-handle medial meniscal tears that had been repaired with meniscal sutures was undertaken. The following criteria for inclusion were adopted: minimum tear length of 2 cm and chronic medial meniscal tear identified at the time of arthroscopy. The tears were susceptible to dislocation with probing. Data collected included demographic, clinical, radiologic, and surgical data. Postoperative healing was assessed with the clinical criteria of Barrett et al. The International Knee Documentation Committee rating, Lysholm score, and Tegner activity level were determined, and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging was used to evaluate healing in accordance with the criteria of Henning et al.

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The mean time from injury to surgery was 10 months (range, 2 to 60 months). Sixteen patients underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, 1 patient underwent posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, and 6 patients underwent meniscus repair only. A median of 5 sutures (range, 3 to 6 sutures) were used for repair. Four cases (all of which had undergone meniscus repair only) required revision. Complete healing was achieved in 83% of cases according to the criteria of Barrett et al. The mean follow-up time was 48 months (range, 24 to 112 months). An International Knee Documentation Committee rating of A or B was achieved in the 20 patients who did not require revision. The median Lysholm score was 95 (range, 92 to 100). The median Tegner activity level before injury was 7, and it remained unchanged after surgery in all cases.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that repair of chronic bucket-handle meniscal tears can lead to good clinical outcomes and a relatively low (17%) failure rate. In addition, repairs of isolated meniscal tears had a significantly higher risk of failure than repairs performed in conjunction with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Meniscal repair by all-inside technique with Fast-Fix device

Objective

The objective of this study is to evaluate the results and effectiveness of the technique of meniscal repair type all-inside using Fast-Fix device.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study evaluating 22 patients with meniscal surgery between January 2004 and December 2010 underwent meniscal repair technique for all-inside with the Fast-Fix device with or without ACL reconstruction. Function and quality of life outcomes were chosen by the IKDC and Lysholm score, before and postoperatively, and reoperation rates, relying to the time of final follow-up. Statistical analysis was performed using the Student's t test.

Results

The mean follow-up was 59 months (16–84). The Lysholm score showed 72% (16 patients) of excellent and good results (84–100 points), 27% (6 patients) fair (65–83 points) and no cases classified as poor (<64 points). According to the IKDC: 81% (18 patients) of excellent and good results (75–100 points), 18% of cases regular (50–75 points) and no patient had poor results (<50 points). There were no failures or complications.

Conclusion

The technique of meniscal repair type all-inside using the Fast-Fix device is safe and effective for the treatment of meniscal lesions in the red zone or red-white with or without simultaneous ACL reconstruction, with good and excellent results in most patients Level 4 Study.

Results of arthroscopic repair of partial- or full-thickness longitudinal medial meniscal tears by single or double vertical sutures using the inside-out technique

BACKGROUND

Although numerous studies have assessed arthroscopic repair of meniscal tears, no study has described the repair of partial- or full-thickness longitudinal medial meniscal tears using single or double vertical sutures.

PURPOSE

To present the intermediate-term results of medial meniscal tears repaired with single or double vertical sutures.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

The authors evaluated the results of 112 longitudinal medial meniscal tears treated with inside-out single or double vertical sutures, with or without anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, based on the clinical resolution of symptoms, the Lysholm knee scoring scale, and the Tegner activity scale. Re-examination was also performed by magnetic resonance imaging after the repair. The length of the tears was evaluated arthroscopically. Eighty-five tears of 112 were >2 cm in length, and 27 were tears ≤2 cm. Eighty-nine (79.4%) of the 112 repairs were performed in conjunction with ACL reconstructions, and the remaining 23 (20.6%) repairs were performed in ACL-intact knees. The tear type of the menisci in our study was full thickness in 66 (58.9%) cases and partial thickness in 46 (41.1%) cases. Double vertical sutures were used for full-thickness tears, and single vertical sutures were used for partial-thickness tears.

RESULTS

The cases were evaluated after a mean follow-up duration of 49.3 months (range, 12-88 months). Clinical and radiological examination results determined that 99 (88.4%) meniscal repairs had healed, and the remaining 13 cases (10.6%) were considered to be failures. The healing rate of the full-thickness group was 80.3%, while in the partial-thickness group, the rate was 100%. The mean Lysholm score improved significantly from a preoperative value of 63.8 to a postoperative value of 89.5 (P < .001). The mean Tegner activity score was 3.3 preoperatively and 6.7 postoperatively (P < .001). Logistic regression analysis found that concurrent ACL reconstruction, tear length, and smoking as factors had a significant effect on meniscal healing.

CONCLUSION

Single or double vertical sutures using the inside-out technique provide a high rate of healing in longitudinal medial meniscal tears.

All-inside meniscal repair using the FasT-Fix meniscal repair system: is still needed to avoid weight bearing? A systematic review

The aim of this study was to review the published clinical outcomes of meniscal repair using the FasT-Fix device comparing standard rehabilitation program to an accelerated rehabilitation protocol. A review of the Medline database was performed involving searches for clinical outcomes of all-inside meniscus repair performed with the FasT-Fix device. Eight studies were identified for inclusion. On the basis of the clinical outcomes of these studies, there appears to be no notable difference between an accelerated rehabilitation regimen with full weight bearing allowed as soon as tolerated and a standard postoperative rehabilitation program. Failure rate was 13 % for patients following an accelerated rehabilitation regimen, and 10 % for standard protocol. Accelerated rehabilitation after all-inside meniscal repair using the FasT-Fix device appears to be safe, and the incidence of retears is in line with those reported for standard rehabilitation protocol.

Cyst following meniscal repair

We present a case of meniscal cyst formation 1 year following a successful meniscal repair in a 30-year-old male using a hybrid suture-anchor meniscal repair system. Open excision of the cyst revealed it to be in continuity with the suture-anchor fragments. The patient made an uneventful recovery. Level of evidence V.

Biological enhancement of meniscus repair and replacement

When a meniscus injury occurs, it is generally accepted that preserving the meniscus is important for life-long joint preservation. Traditional suture repair of the meniscus has good results; however, the healing potential of meniscus tissue remains as a biological challenge because it is not a completely vascularized structure. For this reason, investigators have continued to search for adjuncts to improve clinical results. Mechanical adjuncts, local factor enhancement, scaffolds, gene therapy, and cell therapy have all been examined as options for improvement of biology and structure. This study reviews the basic science and clinical application of these modalities and provides an assessment of techniques on the horizon.

Amount of meniscal resection after failed meniscal repair

BACKGROUND

The failure rate after arthroscopic meniscal repair ranges from 5% to 43.5% (mean, 15%) in the literature. But little is known about the amount of meniscal tissue removed after failed meniscal repair.

HYPOTHESIS

The volume of subsequent meniscectomy after failed meniscal repair is not increased when compared with the volume of meniscectomy that would have been performed if not initially repaired.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

From January 2000 to December 2009, 295 knees underwent arthroscopic meniscal repair for unstable peripheral vertical tears. When present (219 cases), all anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears underwent reconstruction. Patients with multiple ligament injuries and posterior cruciate ligament injuries were excluded from the analysis. Thirty-two medial and 5 lateral menisci underwent subsequent meniscectomy after failed repair at a mean of 26 months postoperatively (range, 3-114 months). Five parameters were specifically evaluated: the amount of meniscectomy related to the initial tear, the ACL status, the appearance of chondral lesions, the time from the initial injury to meniscal repair, and the time from repair to meniscectomy.

RESULTS

The posterior segment of the meniscus was involved in all tears and retears. Among failures, resection of the meniscal segments primarily repaired occurred for 17 medial and 2 lateral meniscal tears (52%); the tear extended in 5 cases (all medial menisci), and healing of some repaired segments led to a partial resection of the initial lesion in 35% of cases (10 medial menisci, 3 lateral menisci). The time from injury to meniscal repair was correlated with an increasing volume of meniscus removed (P < .05) and with the presence of stage 2 or 3 chondral lesions at revision (P < .03). All knees with extended tears (5 cases) and/or with significant chondral degeneration (8 cases) occurred in ACL-reconstructed knees. Among them, 50% (6 of 12) of ACL-reconstructed knees were ACL deficient.

CONCLUSION

There are few detrimental effects when repairing a repairable meniscal lesion, even if it fails. The amount of meniscectomy is rarely increased when compared with the initial lesion. This study supports the hypothesis that the meniscus can be partially saved and that a risk of a partial failure should be taken when possible.

Long-term outcome after meniscal repair

PURPOSE

the purpose of this study was to analyse the clinical and radiological results of meniscal repairs and identify factors that correlate with the success of this procedure.

METHODS

a retrospective review of 119 meniscal repairs was completed. The average follow-up was 70 months. Successful meniscal repairs were observed critically in terms of radiographic changes and clinical outcomes and compared with failed meniscal repairs.

RESULTS

the overall success rate of meniscal repairs was 74%. Meniscal repairs that were performed within 6 weeks of injury had better results (83%) than late repairs (52%). The best results were obtained with the inside-out technique using #0 PDS suture (80%) compared to all-inside Biofix arrows (70%) and combined repairs (63%). Patients with associated ACL injury had a better chance of a successful outcome, but this was only significant when the ACL was reconstructed at the time of repair (P < 0.05). Those patients who had failed meniscal repair had increased radiographic osteoarthritic changes (81%) on long-term follow-up compared to patients with successful repair (14%).

CONCLUSION

this retrospective study shows the clinical and radiological importance of meniscal repair. Successful results in this study were associated with younger age and earlier repair using inside-out technique. Furthermore, increased success was seen in meniscal repairs performed in association with ACL reconstruction.