All-inside Suture Research Articles

Assessment of All-Inside Sutures to the Posteromedial Capsule in Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Repair: Findings From a Retrospective Three-Dimensional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study

Assessment of All-Inside Sutures to the Posteromedial Capsule in Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Repair: Findings From a Retrospective Three-Dimensional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study

Survivorship and Outcomes of Meniscal Ramp Lesions Repaired Through a Posteromedial Portal During Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Outcome Study With a Minimum 10-Year Follow-up

Background: Several studies have demonstrated suture repair of ramp lesions of the medial meniscus via a posteromedial approach was associated with a significantly lower rate of secondary meniscectomy. However, these studies are not long-term and highlight the need for extended follow-up research to better understand the outcomes over a more extended period. Purpose: To evaluate the long-term results and reoperation rate for the failure of arthroscopic all-inside suture repair of ramp lesions of the medial meniscus via a posteromedial approach during anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: All patients who underwent all-inside suture repair of the posterior segment of the medial meniscus (ramp lesion) via a posteromedial approach during ACL reconstruction at a minimum follow-up of 10 years were included in the study. Side-to-side anterior laxity was assessed preoperatively and postoperatively. Pre- and postoperative functional assessment was based on the subjective International Knee Documentation Committee score for activities of daily living and the Tegner activity scale for sporting ability. Reinterventions for meniscal repair failure and other complications were also recorded at the last follow-up. Results: A total of 81 patients met the inclusion criteria for this study. Two patients had an ACL graft rupture with a new ramp lesion and were excluded from the analysis. Additionally, 15 patients were lost to follow-up, leaving a total of 64 patients in the final analysis. The mean follow-up was 124.8 months (range, 122.4-128.4 months). Mean side-to-side difference in anterior laxity significantly improved from 7.4 ± 1.5 mm (range, 5-12 mm) to 0.4 ± 1.3 mm (range, –3 to 4 mm) (P = .01). The mean subjective International Knee Documentation Committee score increased from 64.3 ± 13.4 (range, 34-92) before the operation to 91.1 ± 10.1 (range, 49-100) at the last follow-up (P = .001). The Tegner activity scale score at the last follow-up (6.3 ± 1.6) was lower than that before the trauma (7.1 ± 1.6) (P = .02). Fourteen patients (21.9%) had a failed meniscal repair and were reoperated. The mean time from initial repair to reoperation was 64.5 months (range, 13-126 months), and the median was 60.6 months. The multivariate analysis, including parameters such as lateral tenodesis (hazard ratio [HR], 1.62; P = .50), preoperative Tegner score (HR, 1.66; P = .41), preoperative laxity (HR, 1.75; P = .35), age at surgery (HR, 1.02; P = .97), and number of sutures (HR, 2.38; P = .19), did not reveal any factors associated with suture failure. Conclusion: The results show that arthroscopic repair of ramp lesions of the medial meniscus during ACL reconstruction using a posteromedial approach has a high failure rate at the 10-year follow-up, with half of these suture failures occurring within 5 years after the initial repair.

The Effect and Long-term Prognosis of Different Suturing Methods for Meniscus Repair Under Knee Arthroscopy.

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and long-term prognosis of all-inside and outside-in suturing methods for meniscus repair under knee arthroscopy. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 120 patients with meniscus injuries who underwent surgical treatment at Yuhuan People's Hospital, Department of Joint Surgery, from January 2019 to March 2021. Based on the suturing method, patients were assigned into two groups: Group A (64 cases, all-inside suturing) and Group B (56 cases, outside-in suturing). Surgical indicators and adverse events were recorded for both cohorts. The variances in proprioception before and after surgery, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores, Lysholm scores, knee range of motion (ROM), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain scores were compared between the two groups. Group A had significantly shorter operative time, postoperative immobilization, and hospital stay compared to Group B (p < 0.05). The overall incidence of adverse events was 12.50% in Group A and 16.07% in Group B, with no significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05). There were no substantial differences in preoperative knee proprioception difference values, IKDC scores, Lysholm scores, VAS scores, and knee ROM between the two groups (p > 0.05). At three months postoperatively, Group A exhibited lower proprioception difference values at 15°C, 45°C, and 75°C angles compared to Group B (p < 0.05). Additionally, at three months and three years postoperatively, Group A showed higher IKDC scores, Lysholm scores, and ROM and lower VAS scores compared to Group B (p < 0.05). Compared to the outside-in suturing approach, the all-inside suturing method for treating meniscus damage is more effective. It attenuates operative time, postoperative immobilization time, and hospital stay, ameliorates knee proprioception, promotes knee function recovery, alleviates pain, and is safe and reliable.

Significantly smaller lateral extrusion was observed within 24 weeks after all-inside suture repairs of radial tear in the middle segment of lateral meniscus compared to inside-out repairs.

To evaluate the postoperative meniscal extrusion between all-inside suture (AIS) and trans-capsular suture (TCS) repair techniques. Thirteen patients (mean age, 19.4 years) underwent AIS repairs using only sutures (AIS group) for radial tears in the middle segment of the lateral meniscus (RTMLM), and seven patients (mean age, 20.3 years) underwent inside-out repairs among TCS (TCS group). For all cases, lateral (LE), anterior (AE) and posterior (PE) meniscal extrusions of the lateral meniscus were measured during preoperative and 3-, 12- and 24-week postoperative MRIs. Then, the change of each extrusion from preoperative to each postoperative period was calculated as ∆LE, ∆AE and ∆PE. There was no significant difference between the AIS and TCS groups in the preoperative extrusions. As for postoperative extrusions, only ∆LEs in the AIS group was significantly smaller than those in the TCS group at all postoperative periods (-1.5 ± 1.7 vs. 0.9 ± 0.7 mm at 3-week, -0.9 ± 0.9 vs. 0.4 ± 0.9 mm at 12-week and -0.3 ± 1.0 vs. 0.6 ± 1.1 mm at 24-week postoperation). In ∆AEs and ∆PEs, at all three postoperative periods, there were no significant differences. Postoperative LE, AE and PE on MRIs after AIS and TCS repairs for RTMLM were investigated. Significantly smaller lateral extrusion was observed within 24 weeks after AIS repairs of RTMLM compared to TCS repairs, which could lead to stabilization of the repair site and prevent degenerative changes. Case-control study, retrospective comparative study, Level Ⅲ.

The incidence of meniscal cyst formation following meniscal repair using the all-inside suture anchor device is comparable to conventional techniques.

Post-operative meniscal cyst formation occurs following all-inside device meniscal repair. This study aimed to compare the incidence of cysts in patients who underwent meniscal repair with and without all-inside suture devices. This retrospective study included 227 knees that underwent meniscal repair between 2021 and 2022. The incidence of post-operative meniscal cysts was compared between patients who underwent repair using an all-inside suture anchor device (Group SA) and those who did not use an anchor (Group NA), based on post-operative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. Risk factors, such as the number of anchors used, were investigated. Using a subgroup analysis, the incidence of meniscal cysts based on the type of device used was investigated. Groups SA and NA comprised 125 and 102 knees, respectively. Group SA had 11 cases of cysts (9% incidence), whereas Group NA had 7 cases (7% incidence), and no statistically significant difference was observed (p = 0.63). Symptomatic cysts were observed in two patients (1.6%) in Group SA, whereas none was observed in Group NA (0%); the difference was not significant (p = 0.50). Factors such as the number of anchors and sutures used and MRI timing were not identified as risk factors. Cyst incidence varied according to anchor type: Stryker AIR+ (4 out of 55, 7%), Smith & Nephew Fast-Fix 360 (7 out of 56, 13%) and Arthrex Fiber Stitch (0 out of 26, 0%), with no significant difference found (p = 0.14). The incidence of cysts in patients undergoing meniscal repair with an all-inside suture anchor device was 9%, showing no significant difference compared with Group NA. Cyst incidence was not affected by device type. Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Arthroscopic Anterior Talofibular Ligament Repair Combined With All-Inside Suture Tape Augmentation for Treatment of Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability With Generalized Joint Laxity.

To analyze the feasibility and clinical results of the modified Broström operation (MBO) combined with suture tape augmentation under arthroscopy for chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI) in patients with generalized joint laxity (GJL). From October 2019 to October 2021, a total of 111 patients (111 ankles) treated with MBO combined with suture tape augmentation under arthroscope were retrospectively divided into a GJL group (29 patients) and a control group (82 patients). Mechanical stability of the affected ankle joint was evaluated radiographically preoperatively, at 6 months postoperatively, and the last follow-up. Complications and surgical failures, as well as visual analog scale (VAS) score, the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), and the Karlsson score were also recorded. All statistical analyses were completed using SPSS 20.0. The average follow-up time was 21.7 ± 5.2 months for the GJL group, and 20.9 ± 5.3 months for the control group. Pain and symptoms in both groups were effectively relieved by the procedure reflected by decreased VAS scores, improved FAAM and Karlsson scores at 6 months postoperatively, and the final follow-up (P < .05). Preoperative talar tilt angle and anterior talar translation were significantly greater in the GJL group than those in the control group (P < .05). Postoperatively, both talar tilt angle and anterior talar translation were reduced in both groups at 6 months postoperatively and the last follow-up (P < .05), and we found no significant difference between the two groups (P > .05). Furthermore, we found no significant difference in VAS, FAAM, and Karlsson scores between the 2 groups 6 months postoperatively and at the last follow-up. Arthroscopic MBO combined with suture tape augmentation is a reliable procedure for treating CLAI with GJL. At short-term follow-up, we found that the GJL group achieved an equivalent level of stability compared with the control group.

Meniscal Repair with ArthroZheal® an Autologous Bioactive Fibrin Scaffold. A New Technique and Treatment Option.

Injuries of the meniscus often lead to changes in joint biomechanics, which affect the load distribution and contact stresses. The menisci consist of a peripheral vascular region (red zone) and an inner avascular region (white zone). The blood supply plays an important role in the healing of meniscal tears. Surgical treatment of such lesions includes meniscectomy/meniscoplasty and repair, depending on the type of injury, where "meniscoplasty" refers to the treatment modality that occurs under coblation. The application of Autologous Bioactive Matrix (ABM) has been shown to promote healing in such lesions. In addition, a special type of PRF (ArthroZheal®, Vivostat A/S, Allerød, Denmark) has been demonstrated to have healing effects in extracellular matrix synthesis and cell proliferation, as well as regenerative and remodeling effects. This autologous product can be applied directly at the meniscal repair site. We performed a prospective study on meniscus repair with ArthroZheal® alone (plus meniscoplasty) and ArthroZheal® together with an all-inside suturing technique using the STAR AccurFix Meniscal Repair Device system (STAR Sports Medicine, Beijing, China), depending on the type and the site of the lesion. One hundred twenty knees (110 patients) were identified through the use of clinical examination and MRI scan. The study took place between January 2023 and August 2023. Two groups were created: GROUP A was treated only with ArthroZheal®(plus meniscoplasty) and GROUP B was treated with a combination of ArthroZheal® and an all-inside suturing technique (STAR AccurFix). Pre- and postoperative grading was performed with the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score and the Tegner Activity Level Scale (Tegner Score). The results with both treatment methods were excellent and meniscus restoration has been documented on MRIs conducted 6 months post-op. In 15 patients, 2nd-look arthroscopy was performed through a nanoscope on an outpatient basis, and showed meniscal healing and remodeling. Tegner scores and IKDC scores in both groups showed significant improvement. Meniscal repair should be performed at all costs to maintain meniscal integrity and prevent long-term degenerative changes. New treatment methods include orthobiologics and all-inside suturing techniques. The main idea is to apply an autologous biological scaffold which is able to carry cells into the meniscal lesion and to allow their differentiation, proliferation, and extracellular matrix synthesis to produce a meniscal-like tissue. Our results suggest that the application of autologous ABM (ArthroZheal®) for the treatment of such lesions by means of dry arthroscopy results in better MRI, pain management and functional results at 3 months post-op, and these improvements can persist for up to 6 months.

Circumferential Cross-Stitch Suture for Longitudinal Lateral Meniscal Tear Around the Popliteal Tendon Hiatus Region

Lateral meniscal repair of the popliteal hiatus is technically demanding. The inside-out technique requires an additional incision and carries the risk of posterolateral soft tissue damage to the knee joint. In addition, the presence of the popliteal tendon limits the route of the suture thread. Within the current trend of the all-inside suture technique, meniscal suture-based all-inside repair demonstrates biomechanical advantages over anchor-based all-inside repair. We introduce a meniscal suture-based all-inside meniscal repair technique for longitudinal lateral meniscal tears.

All-Inside Arthroscopic Meniscus Repair for Patients Over 40 Years of Age: Is Forty the New Twenty?

Meniscal injuries are a common challenge in orthopedic surgery. For decades, partial or total meniscectomy has been the primary surgical treatment for meniscal tears. In recent years, the increased recognition of menisci's biomechanical importance has progressively shifted the paradigm towards meniscus repair. However, meniscus-sparing surgery remains the treatment of choice for selected lesions in young and active patients, especially for young and active patients. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of all-inside sutures in treating meniscus tears in patients over 40. In our retrospective evaluation, we evaluated the clinical and functional outcomes ofcases over 40 years of age with post-traumatic acute meniscus tears that received meniscus repairs using the all-inside technique. The pre-operative and post-operative functionality of treated patients were assessed using the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) score. Major complications were recorded. Twenty-three cases met our inclusion criteria. Eight females and fifteen males with a mean age of 44.9 were included in our study. Their mean follow-up was 35.1 months. Before surgery, our patients' mean KOOS score was 55.4 (18-80). At the patients' latest follow-up, the value had risen to 87.4 (63-100). There was no statistical correlation between patients' age and their functional recovery. No surgical failure was recorded at the latest follow-up. The all-inside suture technique can represent a suitable and reliable solution for suturable meniscal tears, even for patients over 40. Preserving the meniscus and restoring patients' functionality allows patients to return to their daily activities and promote their quality of life.

All-inside suture meniscal repair using suture passer.

In recent years, to save the meniscus and prevent the progression of knee osteoarthritis, the indications for meniscus repair have been expanding instead of partial menisectomy. Accordingly, various repair techniques for meniscus tears have been developed. The conventional inside-out and outside-in meniscus repair techniques and all-inside repair technique with an implant/anchor can be classified as trans-capsular (TC) repair from the perspective of suture with penetrating capsule. Recently, new suture passers for all-inside meniscus repair have been developed. To distinguish from conventional all-inside repair with implant/anchors, all-inside repair with only suture using these suture passers was described as all-inside suture (AIS) repair. This AIS repair could achieve meniscus-to-meniscus suture across the tear without interposition of soft tissues including the capsule between suture and meniscus, leading direct gap closing of torn edges. In this respect, AIS repair is considered to be "anatomical meniscus repair". Actually, some reports showed biomechanical and clinical advantages of AIS repair. However, there is still limited evidence in clinical practice. Moreover, there are some disadvantages for AIS repair. Not only further studies but also development of new devices and surgical techniques for AIS should be required. This review describes the current status of AIS repair for each type of tear.

Meniscal Ramp Lesion Repair Without the Need for a Posteromedial Portal

Medial meniscal ramp injury has gained the attention of orthopaedic surgeons in recent years. It consists of a tear of the peripheral insertion of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus. Its prevalence in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction varies between 9% and 40% according to different studies. Ramp lesions cannot always be diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging scans. To identify ramp lesions, the arthroscope should be introduced into the posteromedial compartment of the knee during the routine examination of the knee (Gillquist maneuver). Not all authors advocate systematically repairing ramp injuries of the medial meniscus, especially when these injuries are small and stable. They have historically been repaired using an outside-in technique using a hook-type suture passed through a posteromedial portal. In this study, we present our all-inside suture technique without the use of a posteromedial portal.

Effects of arthroscopic outside-in sutures versus all-inside sutures in the treatment of lateral disc meniscus injury of the knee joint under arthroscopy.

To compare the clinical efficacy of arthroscopic outside-in suturing and all-inside suturing in the treatment of discoid lateral meniscus (DLM) injury, and to analyze the influencing factors for clinical efficacy. We retrospectively selected 30 patients with DLM injury who received arthroscopic all-inside suturing at Wuzhou Workers' Hospital from January 2020 to December 2022 as the observation group. Another 30 patients who received arthroscopic outside-in suturing during the same period were enrolled as the control group. The surgical indicators, pre- and post-operative knee scores and proprioception difference of knee joint, postoperative complications and clinical efficacy were compared between the two groups. Factors affecting clinical efficacy of patients with DLM injury were identified using Logistic regression analysis. Significant differences were observed in operation time, hospital stay, blood loss and clinical efficacy between the two groups (all P<0.05); however, there was no significant difference in complications (P>0.05). The visual analog score (VAS) scores of both groups decreased over time at 1, 3, 5, 7, 15, and 30 days post-surgery, with the observation group scoring lower than the control group (all P<0.05). At 1, 3, and 6 months after the surgery, the international knee documentation committee (IKDC), Lysholm, and Tegner scores of both groups increased over time, with the observation group scoring higher than the control group (all P<0.05). Six months post-surgery, proprioception differences at 15°, 45°, and 75° of knee flexion were significantly decreased, with greater improvements observed in the observation group (P<0.05). Univariate analysis showed that operation time, IKDC and Lysholm scores at 6 months post-operation, postoperative complications, and suture method were factors influencing treatment outcomes in patients with DLM injury (all P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis identified postoperative complications as an independent risk factor for poor treatment outcome in patients with DLM injury (P<0.05). Arthroscopic all-inside suturing for DLM injury offers significant clinical benefits, including shorter operation time and hospital stay, less blood loss, and improved knee joint function with fewer complications. Prolonged operation time, low IKDC and Lysholm scores at 6 months post-operation, postoperative complications and outside-in suturing technique are associated with poorer treatment outcomes in patients with DLM injury.

A bibliometric and visualized analysis of meniscus suture based on the WOS core collection from 2010 to 2022: A review.

Meniscus suture is an important treatment method for meniscus injury and contributes to the preservation of proprioception, restoration of knee biomechanics and alleviation of progressive osteoarthritis. However, there are few visualized analyses concerning the present studies of meniscus suture. This paper aims to evaluate the global trends, highlights and frontiers of meniscus suture. A bibliometric analysis was conducted based on the results of studies related to meniscus suture from web of science core collection. VOSviewer, GraphPad Prism, Microsoft Excel and R-bibliometrix were utilized for the bibliometric analysis of country and institution distribution, chronological distribution, source journals analysis, prolific authors and institutions analysis, keywords analysis, and reference co-citation analysis. A total of 950 publications on meniscus suture from 177 different sources were retrieved over the set time span. These publications were completed by 3177 authors from 1112 institutions in 54 countries. The United States was the most prolific country with 7960 citations and 348 publications (36.63%). Furumatsu Takayuki acted as the most prolific author (51 publications), while Robert F LaPrade with 1398 citations was the most-cited author. And more papers were published in the core journals, including American Journal of Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy-The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Knee Surgery Sports Traumatology Arthroscopy and Arthroscopy Techniques. Furthermore, "meniscus healing," "meniscus root tear" seem to be the emerging research hotspots. Notably, the publication trend concerning the all-inside suture technique has been rising during the past decade. The number of research publications on meniscus suture has been continuously risen since 2010. The authors, publications and institutions from the United States and East Asia were still the mainstays in this field. And the all-inside suture may become the mainstream surgical technique in the future, with meniscus healing and meniscus root tears being research highlights recently.

Single-incision bone bridge lateral meniscus allograft transplantation: preserving neurovascular safety with promising results for posterior horn distortion and graft maturation.

This study aimed to investigate the graft maturation and safety of single-incision bone bridge lateral meniscus allograft transplantation (LMAT). This study involved 35 patients who underwent LMAT between 2019 and 2020. All patients completed at least 2years of follow-up (median 34months; range 24-43) and underwent preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess the trajectory safety of the leading suture passer and all-inside suture instrument (Fast-Fix). Graft status was evaluated according to the Stoller classification. Based on preoperative MRI measurements, the expected trajectory of the leading suture passer did not transect the common peroneal nerve (CPN), with the closest distance between the expected trajectory and CPN being 1.4mm and the average distance being 6.8 ± 3.2mm. The average distance from the lateral meniscal posterior horn (LMPH) to the popliteal neurovascular bundle (PNVB) was 7.4 ± 2.6mm and the nearest was 4.8mm. The expected trajectory of the all-inside suturing instrument did not transect the PNVB when the distance was at least 12mm, from the most lateral margin of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). Grade 3 signal intensity in the posterior third of the allograft on MRI was observed in 6 of 35 (17.1%) patients. Amongst the grade 3 signal intensities in the posterior one-third of the allografts, 3 of the 35 (8.5%) LMATs had a distorted contour. The single-incision bone bridge LMAT technique introduced in this study is a convenient approach that preserves neurovascular safety and provides good results for the distortion of the posterior horn of the allograft and graft maturation. The safety zone for the penetrating devices during the procedure extended from 12mm laterally to the most lateral margin of the PCL to the medial margin of the popliteal hiatus. IV.

Hybrid Repair of a Medial Meniscus Mid-Body Radial Tear

Background: Meniscal radial tears are associated with altered contact mechanics, as they have the potential to disrupt the meniscal hoop stress mechanism. In prior studies, radial tears are associated with higher grade of cartilage damage, as well as higher rate and severity of meniscal extrusion in knees with a radial tear relative to other types of tears. Improved understanding of the meniscus biological potential together with modern developments in surgical technique has paved the way for the current emphasis on repairing even radial tears. Indication: Large or complete radial tears of the meniscus without prohibitive joint space narrowing or severe cartilage damage. Technique Description: A hybrid technique of meniscal radial repair is described, combining (1) 2 transtibial pullout cinch-loop sutures, (2) 2 inside-out vertical rip-stop sutures and 2 oblique sutures in a “cross-tag” configuration, and (3) 1 horizontal mattress all-inside suture. The repair is biologically augmented with a notch marrow-venting procedure. Results: Recent evidence has demonstrated significant biomechanical benefit in terms of increased load to failure and construct strength when adding transtibial tunnel augmentation to radial repairs. In addition, rip-stop sutures decrease the chance of cut-out relative to nonreinforced repairs. Those biomechanical advancements are reflected in excellent patient-reported outcomes as well as healing rates following radial repair. Discussion/Conclusion: We present a hybrid technique encompassing the most biomechanically effective novel radial repair techniques, backed by excellent clinical outcomes following radial repair in the current literature. Patient Consent Disclosure Statement: The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.

Biomechanical Properties of Meniscal Repair Using a Suture Loop, All-Inside Suture Anchor-Based, and Inside-Out Vertical Mattress Suture: A Porcine Study

Background: Repairing the meniscus can be challenging in certain situations, such as when tears occur in the posterolateral corner of the knee or when there is insufficient tissue in the medial or lateral meniscus for traditional vertical mattress or commercially available suture anchorbased techniques. The all-inside suture loop technique could address these challenges; however, its biomechanical properties have not yet been compared to the standard techniques. Objective: To compare the biomechanical properties of the meniscal repair techniques. Materials and Methods: The present study was a controlled laboratory study (in-vitro). Thirty porcine menisci from 15 mature, fresh-frozen porcine knee joints without signs of degeneration were utilized. A vertical tear, parallel to the peripheral rim of the meniscus was created. Biomechanical properties were tested and compared among all-inside suture loop, all-inside vertical mattress using a suture anchor-based repair device, and the standard inside-out vertical mattress technique. A one-way ANOVA was used to assess differences among groups. Post-hoc Tukey’s honest significance test was conducted for multiple comparisons. Results: Load-to-failure was similar among the three groups for the three techniques, the suture loop 83.7±25.2 N versus anchor-based 92.7±41.8 N versus vertical mattress 66.8±17.1 N, (p=0.162). The suture loop and vertical mattress meniscal repair techniques exhibited greater stiffness than anchor-based technique (p=0.014 and 0.001, respectively). Additionally, the suture loop and vertical mattress techniques demonstrated less displacement than the anchor-based techniques (p&lt;0.001 for both). Conclusion: The all-inside suture loop technique demonstrated a comparable load-to-failure when compared to the standard vertical mattress and suture anchor-based technique. It also exhibited greater stiffness than the suture anchor-based technique. Considering the biomechanical properties, as well as the advantages of accommodating even small amounts of meniscal tissue remaining for repair with other techniques, avoiding injury to the popliteus tendon, and preventing knee joint stiffness, the suture loop technique could be a viable option for meniscal repair. Keywords: Meniscus repair; All-inside suture loop; Biomechanical property

The Posteromedial-Transseptal Portal for Arthroscopic Suture Hook Repair of Posterior Horn Tears and Popliteomeniscal Fascicles Tears of the Lateral Meniscus

We present a convenient and safe arthroscopic technique for suturing the lateral meniscus. In this technique, the clinician establishes a conventional posteromedial approach in the figure-of-four position of the knee by using the anterolateral and anteromedial observation approaches. Behind the posterior cruciate ligament, an operational approach is formed through the posterior mediastinum of the knee joint. Through this approach, suture hook can be brought to the posterior horn and body of the lateral meniscus, thus simplifying the suture of the lateral meniscus. We have used this technique to finish all-inside suture using suture hooks in a variety of types of lateral meniscal injuries, including longitudinal posterior horn tears, bucket handle meniscus tears, and tears around the popliteal hiatus area. Compared with traditional lateral meniscal all-inside suture technology through anteromedial or anterolateral approaches, this technology can suture more accurately, safely, and conveniently, avoid the involvement of the popliteal tendon suture, and the lower risk of complications such as popliteal vascular and nerve injury occur.

Clinical outcomes after repair of an isolated radial tear in the middle segment of the lateral meniscus - All-inside suture repair vs trans-capsular suture repair –

Background/objectiveFor radial tears, all-inside suture (AIS) repair was clearly biomechanically superior, compared to conventional trans-capsular suture (TCS) repairs. However, clinical comparative studies of these two repairs techniques have not to be performed. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes after AIS repair and TCS repairs for isolated radial tear at middle segment of lateral meniscus (RTMLM) in stable knees of young athletes. MethodsTwenty-six athletes (mean age, 19.1 years) underwent AIS repair with the double horizontal suture technique, using SutureLasso™ (Arthrex, Naples, FL) for isolated RTMLM (AIS group), and 20 athletes (mean age, 19.0 years) underwent inside-out repair, one of TCS repairs, with tie-grip suture technique (TCS group). All athletes were assessed for preoperative and two-year postoperative Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). At six-month after repair, the lateral meniscal extrusion on mid-coronal plane on MRI and healing status on second-look arthroscopy were also evaluated in all patients. ResultsIn both groups, KOOS improved to either good or excellent postoperatively, while complete healing was found in only 23 and 25% at second-look arthroscopy. We identified no group-dependent differences in KOOS or healing status on arthroscopy. However, a close examination of failure rates revealed significant lower rates in AIS group relative to that of TCS group (p = 0.048). Moreover, the change from preoperative to postoperative lateral meniscal extrusion in AIS group was significantly smaller than that in TCS group (p = 0.038). ConclusionsAIS and TCS repairs for RTMLM were comparable in providing satisfactory clinical results with low rates of complete healing on arthroscopy. However, AIS repair could have lower failure rate of healing on arthroscopy and minimize postoperative lateral meniscal extrusion more effectively than TCS repair on MRI.

Concomitant Medial Meniscal Root Repair with Extrusion Repair (Centralization Technique).

Concomitant Medial Meniscal Root Repair with Extrusion Repair (Centralization Technique).

Incomplete meniscal healing in early second-look arthroscopy does not indicate failure of repair: a case series

PurposeTo assess if incomplete meniscal healing during second-look arthroscopy at six to eight weeks after all-inside suture hook meniscus repair results in longer-term failure of repair in patients with restored knee stability.MethodsFrom 2008 to 2013, 41 patients with post-traumatic, longitudinal, vertical, complete meniscal tears with concomitant ACL injury were treated via a two-stage surgical procedure and prospectively evaluated. In the first stage, all-inside meniscus repair was performed using suture hook passers and non-absorbable sutures. In total, there were 26 medial and 16 lateral meniscus tears. A second-stage ACL reconstruction, performed six to eight weeks later, served as an early second-look arthroscopic evaluation of meniscal healing. Clinical follow-up was performed at a minimum of 24 months.ResultsSecond-look arthroscopy revealed 31 cases (75.6%) of complete and ten cases (24.4%) of incomplete meniscal healing. Two patients were lost prior to follow-up, and three were excluded due to recurrent instability. Therefore, 36 patients were assessed at the final follow-up. All patients with complete meniscal healing during second-look arthroscopy achieved clinical success at follow-up. Six out of nine (66.7%) of patients with incomplete meniscal healing during second-look arthroscopy achieved clinical success at follow-up (p = 0.012). One saphenous neuropathy occurred (2.4%).ConclusionIncomplete meniscal healing during early second-look arthroscopy after all-inside meniscal repair using suture hook passers and non-absorbable sutures did not necessarily result in longer-term failure in patients with restored knee stability. The described method of meniscal repair was associated with a low rate of symptomatic re-tears and complications.