Magnetic force-assisted meniscal resection under arthroscopy

Abstract

Arthroscopic meniscectomy has become a standard procedure for a complete discoid meniscus or for displacement of a meniscal bucket handle tear, although it is not always easy due to poor visualization of the cutting portion. The purpose of this study is to examine whether meniscal resection can be easily carried out in a swine model using the magnetic force-assisted procedure, whereby a metal clip is attached to the meniscal flap and moved by an external magnetic force. Four fresh-frozen porcine lower extremities were used (age range: about 6 months). After opening the knee joint, a flap tear in the medial and lateral menisci was created. Then a metal clip was attached to the edge of the tear. With 20 cm distance between the knee and the disk of the external magnetic device, the flap was observed under arthroscopy. At the highest magnitude of 0.6 T, the direction of the magnetic field was changed. As the direction of the magnetic field was changed to move laterally, medially, up, and down, so the edge of the meniscal flap was observed to move in corresponding directions. Thanks to now having a clear view of the cutting portion, it was evident that meniscal resection could be easily carried out. Although we need to develop special instruments such as Titanium scissors and forceps and an external magnet system for surgery, the current study may be the first step towards a new era in the field of magnet-assisted arthroscopy.