Modified inside-out technique for meniscal repair

Modified Outside-in Repair Technique for Chronic Retracted, Unstable Bucket-Handle Anterior Horn Lateral Meniscal Tear

The meniscus plays a very important role in normal functioning of the knee joint. It acts as a shock absorber, gives stability to the knee joint, delays the onset of osteoarthritis, provides load sharing, and so on. It is a well-known fact that after meniscectomy, there is a significant increase in joint reaction forces leading to early osteoarthritis. Hence, in the past decade, meniscal repair has gain enormous importance and various techniques have been developed to repair the meniscus. Conventionally, posterior-third meniscal tears are repaired with all-inside and outside-in techniques whereas middle-third meniscal tears are repaired with all 3 methods: inside out, outside in, and all inside. For tears of the anterior horn of the meniscus, only the outside-in method is used. We have developed a method for repair of chronic unreduced, retracted bucket-handle anterior horn lateral meniscal tears, in which we combined the use of both the outside-in and all-inside methods of repair. Hence, this method is called modified outside-in meniscal repair for chronic retracted bucket-handle anterior horn lateral meniscal tears.

Repairing Complete Radial Tears of the Lateral Meniscus: Arthroscopic All-Inside Double Vertical Cross-Suture Technique Is Effective and Safe With 2-Year Minimum Follow-Up

PURPOSE

To assess the failure rate and clinical outcomes of the all-inside, double-vertical, cross-suture technique in repairing complete radial tears of the lateral meniscus.

METHOD

We retrospectively reviewed records of patients with this injury on whom the present technique was employed at our institution between 2011 and 2018, with at least 24 months of follow-up. Six months postoperatively, the meniscus healing and extrusion status were evaluated through magnetic resonance imaging. Preoperative and postoperative knee function, measured through IKDC, Lysholm knee, and Tegner activity scale scores, were compared.

RESULTS

In total, 27 patients underwent the procedure. The preoperative mean (standard deviation) IKDC score, Lysholm knee score, and Tegner activity scale scores were 53.4 ± 5.3, 63.2 ± 9.3, and 4 ± .7, respectively. At the last follow-up (≥24 months postoperatively), these scores increased to 92.1 ± 2.6, 90.8 ± 4.2, and 6.1 ± 1.3, respectively (all P < .05). Complete healing of the meniscus was observed in 23 patients, and 4 patients had meniscus retear or nonhealing. The overall retear or nonhealing rate was 14.8%. Healing rates between those with isolated radial tears (87.5%) and those with combined anterior cruciate ligament rupture (84.2%; P = .826) were comparable. No difference was observed in the progression of coronal and sagittal meniscus extrusion (P = .133 and .797, respectively).

CONCLUSION

In patients with complete radial tears of the lateral meniscus, the arthroscopic all-inside double vertical cross-suture repair technique resulted in an 85.2% healing rate, improvements in functional outcomes and activity levels, and no identifiable progression of meniscus extrusion. The all-inside double vertical cross-suture technique is effective and safe for the repair of radial tears of the meniscus.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, retrospective case series.

A Useful MRI Classification for Symptomatic Discoid Lateral Meniscus

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to classify the discoid lateral meniscus (DLM) according to the signal and shape in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and to provide information not only in diagnosis but also in treatment.

Materials and Methods

We reviewed 162 cases who diagnosed with DLM by MRI and underwent arthroscopic procedures from April 2010 to March 2018. Three observers reviewed MRI findings of all cases and predicted arthroscopic tear using three MRI criteria (criterion 1,2 and 3). Among three criteria, the criterion that most accurately predicts arthroscopic tear was selected. Using this criterion, the cases of predicted tear were named group 1. In addition, group 1 was divided into three subgroups (group 1a, 1b and 1c) by deformation or displacement on MRI and arthroscopic type of tear and procedures were analyzed according to these subgroups.

Results

The intra-meniscal signal change itself (criterion 3) on MRI showed the highest agreement with the arthroscopic tear. No meniscal deformation and displacement on MRI (group 1a) showed no specific type of tear and more cases of meniscal saucerization. The meniscal deformation on MRI (group 1b) showed more simple horizontal tears and more cases of meniscal saucerization. The meniscal displacement on MRI (group 1c) showed more peripheral tears and more cases of meniscal repair and subtotal meniscectomy. Comparing arthroscopic type of tear and type of arthroscopic procedure between three subgroups, there were significant differences in three groups (P < .05).

Conclusions

Intra-meniscal signal change itself on MRI is the most accurate finding to predict arthroscopic tear in symptomatic DLM. In addition, subgroup analysis by deformation or displacement on MRI is helpful to predict the type of arthroscopic tear and procedures.

Can an injured discoid lateral meniscus be returned to the correct anatomic position and size of the native lateral meniscus after surgery?

BACKGROUND

No previous studies have compared the position and size of the remaining discoid lateral meniscus (DLM) with that of a normal lateral meniscus. This study aimed to evaluate the postoperative position and size of DLM compared with that of normal controls using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

METHODS

This retrospective study involved 52 symptomatic complete type DLMs (discoid group) who underwent arthroscopic surgery and 50 normal controls (control group). Pre- and postoperative MRI evaluations, height, width, and relative percentage of extrusion (RPE) were assessed. Sagittal position parameters, including distances from articular cartilage center to anterior meniscus (CAMD) and from anterior articular cartilage margin to anterior horn (ACMD), were also assessed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to find factors with extrusion of remaining DLM.

RESULTS

The height of the discoid group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P = 0.000). RPE in the discoid group was significantly larger than in the control group (P = 0.005). Only CAMD and ACMD in the discoid group were different (positioned more anteriorly) from the control group (P = 0.000). Preoperative meniscal shift (odds ratio (OR): 12.448; P = 0.003) and operative technique, especially partial meniscectomy with repair (OR: 19.125; P = 0.000), were the major factors associated with extrusion.

CONCLUSION

The width of remaining DLM was comparable to that of normal controls, but the position was found to be more anterior and lateral than that of normal controls. Preoperative meniscal shift and combined meniscus repair were the major factors for smaller width and greater extrusion; thus, surgeons should address and counsel these factors before surgery.

Discoid lateral meniscus: importance, diagnosis, and treatment

Discoid lateral meniscus (DLM) is a common anatomic variant in the knee typically presented in young populations, with a greater incidence in the Asian population than in other populations. As DLM is a congenital anomaly, the ultrastructural features and morphology differ from those of the normal meniscus, potentially leading to meniscal tears. Snapping and pain are common symptoms, with occasional limitations of extension, in patients with DLM. Examination of the contralateral knee is necessary as DLM affects both knees. While simple radiographs may provide indirect signs of a DLM, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is essential for diagnosis and treatment planning. Although DLM was traditionally classified into three categories, namely, complete, incomplete, and Wrisberg DLM, a recent MRI classification provides useful information for surgical planning because the MRI classification was based on the peripheral detachment in patients with DLM, as follows: no shift, anterocentral shift, posterocentral shift, and central shift. Asymptomatic patients require close follow-up without surgical treatment, while patients with symptoms often require surgery. Total or subtotal meniscectomy, which has been traditionally performed, leads to an increased risk of degenerative arthritis; thus, partial meniscectomy is currently considered the treatment of choice for DLM. In addition to partial meniscectomy, meniscal repair of peripheral detachment is recommended for stabilization in patients with DLM to preserve the function of the meniscus. Previous studies have reported that partial meniscectomy with or without meniscal repair is effective and shows superior clinical and radiological outcomes to those of total or subtotal meniscectomy during the short- to long-term follow-up. Our preferred principle for DLM treatment is reduction, followed by reshaping with reference to the midbody of the medial meniscus and repair as firm as possible.

Biomechanical comparison of vertical suture techniques for repairing radial meniscus tear

Purpose

The aim of this study was to (1) develop suture techniques in repairing radial meniscal tear; (2) to compare the biomechanical properties of the proposed repair techniques with the conventional double horizontal technique.

Methods

Thirty-six fresh-frozen porcine medial menisci were randomly assigned into four groups and a complete tear was made at the midline of each meniscus. The menisci were subsequently repaired using four different repair techniques: double vertical (DV), double vertical cross (DVX), hybrid composing one vertical and one horizontal stitch, and conventional double horizontal (DH) suture technique with suturing parallel to the tibia plateau. The conventional double horizontal group was the control. The repaired menisci were subjected to cyclic loading followed by the load to failure testing. Gap formation and strength were measured, stiffness was calculated, and mode of failure was recorded.

Results

Group differences in gap formation were not statistically significant at 100 cycles (p = .42), 300 cycles (p = .68), and 500 cycles (p = .70). A trend was found toward higher load to failure in DVX (276.8 N, p < .001), DV (241.5 N, p < .001), and Hybrid (237.6 N, p < .001) compared with DH (148.5 N). Stiffness was also higher in DVX (60.7 N/mm, p < .001), DV (55.3 N/mm, p < .01), and Hybrid (52.1 N/mm, p < .01), than DH group (30.5 N/mm). Tissue failure was the only failure mode observed in all specimens.

Conclusion

Our two proposed vertical suture techniques, as well as the double vertical technique, had superior biomechanical properties than the conventional technique as demonstrated by higher stiffness and higher strength.

A novel technique for modified all-inside repair of bucket-handle meniscus tears using standard arthroscopic portals

Background

Bucket-handle meniscus tears (BHMT) are often displaced and unstable. The inside-out technique of repairing such tears is currently the gold standard. All-inside repair with meniscal fixators is getting increasingly popular. Shortcomings of the inside-out technique include neurovascular complications, especially saphenous nerve palsy, and retention of a non-resorbable suture which can result in discomfort to patient, granuloma formation, and a foci of infection. Hence, the purpose of this project was to innovate a novel all-inside technique to precisely reduce and fix BHMT while avoiding neurovascular complications and retention of a non-resorbable suture.

Methods

Routine arthroscopic portals were created on a patient’s left knee with a displaced BHMT. Through the anteromedial portal, a conjoint pseudo double lumen cannula was inserted. Two limbs of a reduction suture were passed through the cannula, one over the “femoral” surface of the meniscus, one over the “tibial” surface of the meniscus anterior to the biceps femoris tendon, with the knee flexed at 20° to avoid injury to the saphenous nerve. Suture limbs were passed out percutaneously and tensioned.

Results

Anatomic reduction was ensured under arthroscopic visualization with ease. All inside repair was performed using the vertical mattress suture configuration. Reduction sutures were subsequently removed by cutting flush to the skin and pulling on one suture limb. The patient was back to full activities with minimal discomfort 8 months post-operatively.

Conclusion

The technique described is superior to existing techniques for the following reasons: (1) Reduction of the displaced meniscal tear is “extra-meniscal,” avoiding further trauma to a damaged meniscus. (2) Tensioning of the two suture limbs created promotes better control of reduction through tensioning. (3) Risk of discomfort, infection, and neurovascular damage caused by a retained suture is reduced. (4) No additional portals/equipment is required. We encourage this novel technique to be attempted by surgeons.

Tibiofemoral contact pressures in radial tears of the meniscus treated with all-inside repair, inside-out repair and partial meniscectomy

BACKGROUND

To test contact pressures in the knee after treatment of a radial meniscus tear with an all-inside meniscal repair technique and compare the results with inside-out repair and partial meniscectomy.

METHODS

Six non-paired cadaveric knees were analyzed with intra-compartment pressures measured at loads of 250 N, 500 N and 1000 N at 0°, eight degrees, 15°, and 30° of knee flexion. Compartmental contact pressures were measured for the intact medial meniscus, radial tear in the posterior horn, all-inside repair using the NovoStitch suture passer device (Ceterix Orthopaedics Inc., Menlo Park, CA), inside-out repair method, and partial meniscectomy. One-way ANOVA was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The greatest differences in peak pressures between treatments were observed under 1000 N load at 30° flexion (0.8± (SD) 0.1 MPa (intact meniscus), 0.8± (SD) 0.1 MPa (all-inside), 0.9± (SD) 0.1 MPa (inside-out) and 1.6± (SD) 0.2 MPa (partial meniscectomy)). Treatment with partial meniscectomy resulted in the highest peak pressures compared to all other states (p<0.0001 at each angle). Repair of the radial tear using the all-inside technique as well as the inside-out technique resulted in significantly decreased compartment pressures compared to partial meniscectomies (p<0.0001 at each angle). There were no significant differences between peak pressures in the intact state and after repair with the all-inside or inside-out techniques.

CONCLUSION

An all-inside repair technique using the NovoStitch suture passer can decrease contact pressures for a radial meniscus tear similarly to the inside-out repair technique when compared to partial meniscectomy.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This novel arthroscopic suture passer warrants further analysis in the clinical setting as it may be a reliable method for repair of radial meniscal tears through an arthroscopic all-inside technique.

Long-term results of arthroscopic reshaping for symptomatic discoid lateral meniscus in children

PURPOSE

To assess the long-term clinical and radiographic results of arthroscopic reshaping with or without peripheral meniscus repair for the treatment of symptomatic discoid lateral meniscus in children.

METHODS

This study included 38 children (48 knees) who underwent arthroscopic surgery for symptomatic discoid lateral meniscus. The mean age at operation was 9.9 years (range, 4 to 15 years), and the mean follow-up period was 10.1 years (range, 8 to 14 years). Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy was performed in 22 knees (group A); partial meniscectomy with repair, in 18 knees (group B); and subtotal meniscectomy, in 8 knees (group C). Clinical and radiographic results were evaluated preoperatively and at the final follow-up.

RESULTS

According to the scale of Ikeuchi, 94% of cases showed excellent or good results clinically. At the final follow-up, the median Tegner activity level was 7 (range, 4 to 10). The mean Lysholm knee score improved from 74.9 ± 10.6 to 97.6 ± 4.0, and the mean Hospital for Special Surgery score improved from 80.8 ± 8.9 to 97.8 ± 3.6 (P < .0001). At the final follow-up, radiographic evaluation showed the development of minor osteophytes in the lateral compartment of 18 knees and moderate joint space narrowing with spur formation in 1 knee. In addition, degenerative changes were observed in 23% of cases in group A, 39% of cases in group B, and 88% of cases in group C. Group C showed significantly greater progression of degenerative changes than group A or B.

CONCLUSIONS

Arthroscopic reshaping for symptomatic discoid lateral meniscus in children led to satisfactory clinical outcomes after a mean of 10.1 years. However, progressive degenerative changes appeared in 40% of the patients. The subtotal meniscectomy group had significantly increased degenerative changes compared with partial meniscectomy with or without repair.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic case series.

A Modified Outside-in Suture Technique for Repair of the Middle Segment of the Meniscus Using a Spinal Needle

Introduction

Several techniques have been used for arthroscopic repair of middle segment, posteromedial or posterolateral corner tears of the meniscus. One of the commonly used methods is the inside-out double arm needle technique.

Surgical Technique

We have developed a vertical mattress absorbable suture technique. It is easy to perform with a small sized skin incision for knot tying. This technique just necessitates 1 or 2 spinal needles for repair.

Materials and Methods

Between March 2010 and February 2012, 20 menisci were treated by this technique, a modified method of the outside-in vertical meniscal repair using a spinal needle and No. 2 PDS absorbable suture material. Evaluation of clinical results was done using the Lysholm score.

Results

The mean preoperative Lysholm score was 63.9 and the mean postoperative score was 97.3. A second look arthroscopy was performed in 13 knees (65%) and the repair sites were well healed.

Conclusions

We recommend this method as an alternative technique for repair of the middle segment, posteromedial or posterolateral corner of the meniscus.

Repair of peripheral vertical meniscus lesions in porcine menisci: in vitro biomechanical testing of 3 different meniscus repair devices

BACKGROUND

All-inside meniscus repair eliminates the need for an extra incision and decreases neurovascular injury risk. Biomechanical testing can help delineate the efficacy of all-inside device use.

HYPOTHESIS

There would be no group differences between 4 peripheral meniscus repair techniques and 3 different devices tested.

STUDY DESIGN

Controlled laboratory study.

METHODS

Equivalent-sized menisci with attached tibiae were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 test groups (8 specimens each), as follows: group 1, Fast-Fix using No. 0 braided polyester suture; group 2, inside-out repair using 2-0 braided polyester suture; group 3, Sequent using No. 0 ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) suture in a continuous "N" configuration; and group 4, Sequent using No. 0 UHMWPE suture in an interrupted configuration. After placement in a clamp, specimens underwent preconditioning from 5 to 20 N for 10 cycles (0.1 Hz), 500 submaximal loading cycles from 5 to 20 N (0.5 Hz), and load-to-failure testing at 12.5 mm/s. A 30-second pause after 10 preconditioning cycles and after 10, 100, and 500 submaximal loading cycles enabled digital photographs to be taken for gapping measurements. Failure mode was recorded.

RESULTS

Specimens in group 3 withstood greater failure loads than did those in groups 1 and 4 (P ≤ .027), and group 3 specimens were stiffer than those in groups 2 and 4 (P ≤ .048). Displacement during submaximal loading and load-to-failure testing did not differ between groups. Groups 1, 3, and 4 each gapped less than group 2 during submaximal cyclic loading (P ≤ .05). Groups 1 and 2 failed primarily by suture breakage (P < .0001), while groups 3 and 4 failed primarily by the suture pulling free from an implant (P < .0001).

CONCLUSION

Sequent using No. 0 UHMWPE suture in a continuous "N" configuration displayed superior load at failure compared with repairs using Fast-Fix with No. 0 braided polyester suture and displayed greater stiffness and less gapping than inside-out repair using 2-0 braided polyester suture. The suture pulling free from an implant was the primary failure mode for Sequent using No. 0 UHMWPE suture regardless of whether a continuous "N" or an interrupted configuration was used. Study groups that used No. 0 UHMWPE sutures (groups 3 and 4) had more specimens fail by the suture pulling free from an implant. Compared with the weaker braided polyester suture in the inside-out and Fast-Fix groups, the No. 0 UHMWPE suture used in the Sequent groups likely influenced study results, as this suture has stronger material properties. However, the continuous "N" configuration likely also improved the performance of the Sequent with No. 0 UHMWPE suture, as failure load was significantly less with an interrupted configuration.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

All-inside meniscus repair with continuous suture function may translate into improved patient outcomes.

Cyclic test comparison of all-inside device and inside-out sutures for radial meniscus lesion repair: an in vitro porcine model study

PURPOSE

To compare biomechanical fixation and gapping characteristics of a new all-inside meniscus repair method for radial meniscus lesion repair versus conventional inside-out suture repair under submaximal cyclic loading and load-to-failure test conditions.

METHODS

Fresh-frozen porcine tibiae with attached lateral menisci and joint capsules were harvested and stored for 48 hours at -20°C. After thawing for 12 hours, equivalent-size healthy specimens were randomly assigned to 2 groups of 8 specimens each. Standardized radial lesions were repaired with the Sequent device (ConMed Linvatec, Largo, FL) (group 1) or conventional inside-out suturing with No. 2-0 braided polyester suture (group 2). Repaired specimens were placed in custom clamps and mounted on a servohydraulic device. After a 2-N preload, specimens were cycled from 5 to 20 N (0.1 Hz), before undergoing 1,000 submaximal loading cycles between 5 and 20 N (0.5 Hz). A 40-second delay at 100, 500, and 1,000 cycles enabled digital photographs to be taken for gapping measurement determination. Specimens then underwent load-to-failure testing (12.5 mm/s). Fixation failure mode was documented.

RESULTS

Group displacement did not differ after 1, 100, 500, and 1,000 submaximal loading cycles. Group peak gapping did not differ at 100, 500, and 1,000 submaximal loading cycles. Load at failure and displacement and stiffness during load-to-failure testing did not differ between groups. During load-to-failure testing, all-inside specimens failed by implant dislodgement from the meniscus periphery whereas the inside-out repaired specimens failed by suture rupture.

CONCLUSIONS

Under controlled in vitro biomechanical test conditions, the all-inside device provided radial meniscus lesion fixation that was comparable, but not superior, to conventional inside-out suturing.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The all-inside radial lateral meniscus lesion repair method may provide comparable fixation to conventional inside-out suturing without the need for additional incisions and their associated neurovascular injury risks.

Clinical and second-look arthroscopic evaluation of repaired medial meniscus in anterior cruciate ligament-reconstructed knees

BACKGROUND

Tears of the medial meniscus posterior horn (MMPH) are frequently found in knees with deficient anterior cruciate ligaments (ACLs). There are few studies that have evaluated healing of the menisci and the factors associated with healing.

HYPOTHESIS

The repaired menisci would show good healing in the knees with reconstructed ACLs, and the healing capacity of the menisci would differ according to the size, type, and location of the tear as well as the age and gender.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

From August 1997 to February 2007, 311 knees underwent MMPH repair using either a modified all-inside or inside-out technique with concomitant ACL reconstruction. Among these patients, a second-look arthroscopy was performed at a mean of 37.7 months postoperatively (range, 12-128 months) in 140 patients. Clinical parameters and outcomes were evaluated. The repaired menisci were divided into complete, incomplete, and failure-to-heal groups. The factors associated with meniscal healing were statistically assessed.

RESULTS

Among 140 patients, 118 (84.3%) showed complete healing, 17 (12.1%) had incomplete healing, and 5 (3.6%) failed to heal. The clinical success rate was 96.4% (135/140) because patients in the incomplete group showed no clinical symptoms associated with meniscal tears. Healing was associated with the tear location (P <.001) and type of tear (P =.0237) on the univariate analysis and the location (P =.0401) only on the multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

Repaired MMPH tears in knees with reconstructed ACLs healed without complications and had satisfactory clinical results. The tear location and type were factors associated with healing on the univariate analysis and location only on the multivariate analysis.

A novel magnetic resonance imaging classification of discoid lateral meniscus based on peripheral attachment

BACKGROUND

In the symptomatic discoid lateral meniscus, the effectiveness of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is not well documented.

HYPOTHESIS

Magnetic resonance imaging classification will provide more information to the surgeon in choosing the appropriate treatment methods with the help of arthroscopic findings.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2.

METHODS

Sixty-seven patients (82 knees) were reviewed. The preoperative MRI was checked in 76 of 82 knees. The Lysholm and Ikeuchi grading scales were evaluated. Images were analyzed from MRI, and findings were classified into 4 categories: no shift, anterocentral shift, posterocentral shift, and central shift. Tear pattern classifications were based on arthroscopic findings: horizontal tear, peripheral tear, horizontal and peripheral tear, posterolateral corner loss, and others. The correlations between MRI classification tear patterns and surgical methods were analyzed using the chi-square test or the Fisher exact test. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of shift in preoperative MRI-according to the existence of peripheral tear when corroborated with arthroscopy-were also analyzed with the chi-square test. Inter- and intraobserver reliability was statistically analyzed by producing the inter- and intraclass correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

The mean preoperative Lysholm score was 77.3 (range, 43-97), and the last follow-up Lysholm score had increased to 96.8 (range, 84-100; P < .001). At last follow-up (100% follow-up), the Ikeuchi grading scale scored 48 knees as excellent, 30 as good, and 4 as fair. According to the MRI classification, 43 knees were no shift; 6, anterocentral shift; 15, posterocentral shift; and 12, central shift. Shift-type knees had a significantly larger number of peripheral tears, and repairs were performed in the shift-type knees (55%) more frequently than in the no-shift-type knees (28%). Among 82 knees, 31 were repaired simultaneously after a central partial meniscectomy.

CONCLUSION

Magnetic resonance imaging classification provides more information to surgeons in choosing the appropriate treatment methods, although the final decision regarding procedure is made during arthroscopy after thorough analysis of the tear.

FasT-Fix meniscal repair: mid-term results

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical success of the FasT-Fix meniscal repair device (Smith & Nephew Endoscopy, Andover, MA) associated with an accelerated rehabilitation program.

METHODS

A prospectively collected consecutive series of meniscal repairs performed with the FasT-Fix device was studied. The Lysholm, Tegner, Cincinnati, and International Knee Documentation Committee activity scores, along with the clinical examination findings and adverse events, were recorded for all patients. Associated procedures were recorded. An accelerated postoperative rehabilitation program was followed, independent of concurrent anterior cruciate ligament surgery.

RESULTS

Forty-one meniscal repairs were performed, with an average follow-up of 30.7 months (range, 12 to 58 months). Twenty-nine of 41 repairs were performed in conjunction with anterior cruciate ligment reconstruction. The other repairs were in stable knees. There were 26 medial and 15 lateral meniscus repairs. Both menisci were repaired in 5 knees. Repeat arthroscopies were performed for 12 repairs and 7 (17%) were found to have failed. The preoperative and postoperative Lysholm, Tegner, Cincinnati, and International Knee Documentation Committee activity scores were 47.3 and 87.4, 3.4 and 7.2, 38.7 and 82.8, and 2.3 and 3.4, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The FasT-Fix meniscal repair associated with an accelerated rehabilitation program resulted in clinically effective meniscal repair in 83% at the time of follow-up. Clinical outcome measures all improved.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy with repair of the peripheral tear for symptomatic discoid lateral meniscus in children: results of minimum 2 years of follow-up

PURPOSE

This study was undertaken to document the clinical results and technical aspects of arthroscopic partial meniscectomy in conjunction with peripheral tear repair for the treatment of symptomatic discoid lateral meniscus in children.

METHODS

From June 1998 to May 2005, the senior author (J.H.A.) performed arthroscopic surgery on 77 children (89 knees) with symptomatic discoid lateral meniscus. Of these patients, we retrospectively studied 23 patients (28 knees) with a peripheral tear that was treated by partial central meniscectomy in conjunction with peripheral suture repair. Mean age at operation was 9.0 years (range, 4 to 15 years), and the mean follow-up period was 50.9 months (range, 24 to 94 months). Arthroscopic findings were categorized into 3 types in terms of peripheral rim stability and tear site: (1) meniscocapsular junction (MC), anterior horn type (MC-A type); (2) MC, posterior horn type (MC-P type); and (3) posterolateral corner (PLC) loss type. These 3 types needed different arthroscopic techniques for saucerization with repair. Clinical results were evaluated using Lysholm knee scores and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) scores preoperatively and at final follow-up.

RESULTS

All patients were able to return to their previous life activities with little or no limitation, and no reoperation was required after an average follow-up of 51 months. Mean Lysholm knee scores improved from 78.5 (range, 69 to 89) preoperatively to 95.5 (range, 85 to 100) at the final follow-up (P < .0001), and the mean HSS score improved from 80.3 (range, 69 to 89) preoperatively to 95.9 (range, 90 to 100) at the final follow-up (P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

We believe that the described arthroscopic partial meniscectomy in conjunction with the meniscal repair of the peripheral tear are effective for treating children with a symptomatic discoid lateral meniscus.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic case series.

A simple method of meniscus repair using the arthroscopic outside-in technique

We describe a simple method of arthroscopic outside-in meniscus repair that is easy to perform using readily available materials. The technique uses a 19-gauge venepuncture needle, a 16-gauge epidural needle, a No. 3 Prolene suture as a lasso loop, and No. 2 polydioxanone (PDS) sutures for meniscus repair. The venepuncture needle is used to puncture the meniscus from outside-in to deliver the Prolene lasso loop suture. The epidural needle is used to deliver one end of the PDS repair suture through the lasso loop. This suture end is captured by tightening the lasso loop, and delivered out of the joint by withdrawing the venepuncture needle. The epidural needle is kept in the joint. A second pass is made with the venepuncture needle at an appropriate site on the meniscus, and the lasso loop delivered. The other free end of the repair suture is threaded through the epidural needle and through the lasso loop. This other repair suture end is similarly captured and delivered out of the joint. The repair is completed by pulling on the free ends of the repair suture to apply it across the meniscus tear site, and secured by tying the suture to the capsule through a small incision.

Midterm results of meniscal repair using the BioStinger meniscal repair device

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the midterm healing rate and any adverse events from meniscus repair using the BioStinger meniscus repair device (Linvatec, Largo, FL).

METHODS

A retrospective review of a consecutive series of meniscal repairs performed by a single surgeon using the BioStinger was conducted. The BioStinger is cannulated, made of molded poly L-lactic acid, and inserted over a needle into the meniscus tissue. Clinical results and adverse events were noted, and Lysholm, Tegner, Cincinnati, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) activity scores were obtained on all patients.

RESULTS

Forty-one patients underwent 41 meniscal repairs with an average follow-up of 38.6 months (range, 24 to 69 months); 35 meniscus repairs were performed in conjunction with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and 6 in stable knees. Tears repaired were peripheral, posterior horn tears with an average length of 2 cm. Clinical evidence of meniscal healing was observed in 95% at the time of last follow-up. Six second-look arthroscopies were performed and 2 failures were found. All other patients were symptom free. At follow-up, the mean Tegner score was 6.1 (2.8 preoperative), IKDC activity score was 3.3 (2.1 preoperative), Lysholm score was 90.6 (48.7 preoperative), and the mean Cincinnati score was 86.7 (41.3 preoperative). Four patients had peripheral migration of the device without skin tenting or perforation; 3 underwent removal of the BioStinger from the soft tissues and the other resolved after 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The midterm clinical success rate was 95% using the BioStinger device. Adverse events were observed in few cases.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, cases series.