A new, all-inside technique for meniscus repair

Intra-articular patterns of bucket handle meniscal tears and its relation to reducibility

Background

The purpose of this study was to assess the intra-articular patterns in the rotational deformities of bucket handle meniscal tears (BHMTs) based on arthroscopic findings and their clinical relevance.

Methods

From 2004 to 2009, 42 patients with a BHMT diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging underwent arthroscopic surgery. The arthroscopic data (all procedures were recorded) were evaluated retrospectively, and BHMTs were classified according to the rotational directions of centrally displaced fragments. To assess the reliability of the agreement in this classification, 2 orthopedic surgeons re-classified BHMTs, 1 week after first trial. Intra- and interobserver reliabilities were assessed using kappa statistics. In addition, we address specific tear patterns, associated anterior cruciate ligament injury, medio-lateral difference, reducibility, chronicity, and reparability.

Results

Most of the tears could be categorized into one of 3 morphologic patterns. Of the tears, 4.8% could not be categorized. BHMTs were classified, based on the rotational directions of centrally displaced fragments, as follows; the upward rotation group (type 1), the downward rotation group (type 2) and the reverse group (type 3). The most common intra-articular pattern was type 1 (29 patients, 69%). The occurrence of the other patterns was: type 2 in 7 patients (16.7%), type 3 in 4 patients (9.5%); we were not able to make a classification of type in 2 patients (4.8%). Intra-observer reliability was 0.86 in terms of kappa statistics, which implies almost perfect agreement. Mean interobserver reliability (0.73) showed substantial agreement. Type 1 and 2 tears were easily reduced, whereas all type 3 tears (4/4) needed additional procedures to achieve reduction.

Conclusions

Based on arthroscopic findings, we describe a comprehensive BHMT classification scheme that encompasses 95.2% of all tears. Tear type was correlated with reducibility.

Mechanical comparison of meniscal repair devices with mattress suture devices in vitro

We report the load to failure in tensile testing of the MaxFire™ meniscal repair system (Biomet Inc, Warsaw, IN) and compare it to other current meniscal repair devices and mattress suture techniques. After creating a longitudinal tear in 42 one-year-old bovine menisci, 7 specimen groups defined by the meniscal repair device, suture, and/or mattress technique used for meniscal repair were randomly established: (Group 1: Fiberwire™ vertical mattress (VM), Group 2: Fiberwire™ horizontal mattress (HM), Group 3: FasT-Fix™ VM, Group 4: FasT-Fix™ HM, Group 5: RapidLoc™, Group 6: MaxFire™ VM, Group 7: MaxFire™ HM). After completing the repairs, the meniscal specimens were cyclically pre-loaded before load to failure testing was performed. The mean load to failure for each group was: Fiberwire VM (185 ± 41 N), Fiberwire HM (183 ± 36 N), FasT-Fix VM (125 ± 8 N), FasT-Fix HM (107 ± 29 N), RapidLoc (70 ± 12 N), MaxFire VM (145 ± 44 N), MaxFire HM (139 ± 50 N). An analysis of variance demonstrated a significant difference in the mean load to failure (F = 8.31 P < 0.01). Statistically significant differences were seen between both Fiberwire groups verses FasT-Fix HM and Rapid-Loc (P < 0.05). Three modes of failure were observed: suture breakage (17/42, 40.5%), tissue failure (18/42, 42.9%), and knot failure (7/42, 16.7%). 2-0 Fiberwire™ VM and HM repairs had the highest load to failure of all groups tested. The load to failure for the MaxFire™ meniscal repair system is comparable to other available all-inside meniscal repair systems.

A novel technique for arthroscopic reduction and repair of a bucket-handle meniscal tear

We present a new technique designed for the reduction and repair of bucket-handle meniscal tears. After assessing the rotation of the displaced tear fragment of the meniscus, the centrally displaced portion of the tear is vertically pierced with a suture hook enabling passage of a No. 0 PDS suture, both limbs of which are retrieved out of the joint. Next, using a spinal needle and a shuttle relay system, both ends of the No. 0 PDS on the femoral and tibial surfaces of the meniscus are extricated outside the joint capsule. In the final step, reduction of the displaced fragment is achieved by pulling on the PDS suture and the same suture is used for repair too, after which additional sutures are applied. This is a useful technique, which affords the benefit of rotational reduction of a bucket-handle meniscal tear using a single suture, as well as improved maneuverability for freshening of the tear margins prior to repair and additional suturing, and finally for repair as a full-thickness vertical suture.

New meniscus repair technique for peripheral tears near the posterior tibial attachment of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus

We introduce a suture technique to repair a peripheral tear near the posterior tibial attachment of the posterior horn. A suture hook was inserted through the posteromedial portal, and the peripheral capsular rim was penetrated from superior to inferior by the sharp hook. Both relay limbs were brought out through the posteromedial portal. The outer limb of the superior peripheral capsular rim was identified with a hemostat. An 18-gauge spinal needle loaded with a No. 0 polydioxanone suture (PDS) was introduced into the joint from the anteromedial portal; it was passed through the joint space until it penetrated the inner torn meniscus. The PDS suture loaded within the needle was pushed into the joint and picked up through the posteromedial portal. The needle was pulled out of the torn meniscus and readvanced over it while the suture was kept loaded. The other limb of the suture from the tip of the spinal needle was retrieved through the posteromedial portal. The initial PDS suture limb was hooked to the shuttle-relay system; it then was passed through the inner torn meniscus and the peripheral capsular rim. The suture limb exiting from the peripheral capsular rim was used as a post and was joined to the other suture limb to form a sliding knot.

Sutura de menisco com implantes absorvíveis

Os autores avaliam clinicamente 19 pacientes (19 joelhos - 15 meniscos mediais e 5 laterais) submetidos à sutura de menisco, utilizando 2 tipos de implantes absorvíveis (ácido polilático) Arrow® e Clear fix®. O estudo compõe-se de 15 homens e 4 mulheres com idades entre 16 e 44 anos, com média de 26,8 anos. O tempo de seguimento médio foi de 24 meses, com mínimo de 18 e máximo de 32 meses. A técnica operatória constituiu-se da sutura de um ou ambos os meniscos (1 caso), via artroscópica com Arrow® em 15 pacientes e Clear fix® em 4. Dos 19 indivíduos, 6 foram submetidos à sutura meniscal isolada, 11 associada à reconstrução do LCA e 2 à reconstrução do LCA com osteotomia valgizante da tíbia. Os resultados foram avaliados segundo exame físico incluindo as manobras de Appley e Mc Murray. A avaliação funcional pré e pós-operatória do joelho foi realizada pela escala de Lysholm modificada. Todos os pacientes tiveram suas manobras meniscais negativadas no pós-operatório. A pontuação média pré-operatória segundo a escala de Lysholm foi de 39,8 subindo para 91,5 no pós-operatório. Os autores concluem que a sutura de menisco, utilizando implantes absorvíveis, tem se mostrado eficiente até o momento, e que tecnicamente ela é mais simples que a sutura convencional.

New meniscus repair by an all-inside knot suture technique

The indications for the all-inside knot suture technique include tears in the red-red zone or red-white zone in the meniscus, and a horizontal tear, a vertical tear, and a peripheral tear. First, find an appropriate place for a suture insertion site with a Kateran needle or a spinal needle. Make sure it exits beyond the tear in the meniscus. Once the insertion site is chosen, a suture is passed into and through the joint. The suture is slowly pulled back. You should be able to feel the tip of the suture come out of the joint capsule. If you want to make a vertical suture to suture the tear, move the suture vertically apex. Then insert the suture back into the joint through the capsule. Make sure the suture stays inside the joint. Find and grab the suture with a punch inserted from the clear cannula. Pull the suture out of the joint through the clear cannula with the punch. Tighten the knot with a knot pusher. Then confirm the stability of the sutured site with the probe. Our all-inside knot suture technique can be performed arthroscopically, allowing reliable repair of the torn meniscus.

Modified inside-out technique for meniscal repair

A modified technique of the inside-out suture for arthroscopic repair of meniscus is described. Although the conventional inside-out technique is a fine modality of a meniscal repair, it is difficult to perform vertical suture and to attain good coaptation and strong fixation. We introduce a modified inside-out suture, which uses a suture hook, a zone-specific cannula, and a specially designed looped needle for an efficient meniscal repair. The modified inside-out suture technique provides vertically oriented suture, excellent tissue coaptation, and firm fixation. We recommend this technique as an excellent method for repairing a tear in most parts of the meniscus, especially the posteromedial corner.

A simplified arthroscopic outside-in meniscus repair technique

A simple and reproducible technique for meniscus tear repair is described. The technique requires the use of a 16-gauge intravenous catheter, a suture hook, and a knot pusher. The catheter is used for perforation of the meniscus and the tear site in two adjacent locations, then the two free suture ends are retrieved and passed along a small arthroscopic cannula placed at the ipsilateral joint space, and finally a sliding arthroscopic knot is tied and advanced to the meniscus surface with a knot pusher. This simple technique provides secure fixation of the meniscus tear during the healing period and has been proven successful and without complications in the patients in whom it has been used.

Failed meniscus repair

This report describes problems arising after an arthroscopic meniscal refixation using the biodegradable Clearfix screw system (Innovasive Devices, Marlborough, MA). A serious problem arose in the form of migration of a meniscal screw that had been inserted in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Dislocation of the screw led to pain on the medial aspect of the knee joint and irritation of the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve. The case reported here is a first analysis of the potential complications associated with the use of this meniscal refixation system.