Summary

In a porcine specimen meniscus repair model, the biomechanical properties of a Meniscus Cap repair technique were superior to that of the simple suture and collagen matrix wrapping techniques. The results suggest that the Meniscal Cap repair technique may provide sufficient primary stability of the meniscal fixation even in the cases of the complex meniscus tears.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare strength, and stiffness of repaired complex tears of the meniscus treated using a new Meniscus Cap bioresorbable implant technique versus a traditional simple suture technique and collagen matrix meniscus wrapping technique.

Methods

Complex tears were created in 60 fresh porcine menisci. 20 intact menisci were tested as the control group (CG). Repairs were performed using a new Meniscus Cap bioresorbable implant technique (MC, N20) or an inside-out simple suture technique (SS, N20) and collagen matrix meniscus wrapping technique (CMW, N20). The menisci were tested for cyclic loading and load to failure. The displacement, response to cyclic loading (500 cycles) were recorded and load-to-failure testing was then performed at a rate of 3.15 mm$s1. The mode of failure were recorded.

Results

The ultimate load to failure was significantly greater for the intact menisci and Meniscus Cap repairs versus simple suture and collagen meniscus wrapping techniques (CG=1278.7N and MC=628.5N v CMW=380.135 N and SS=345.106N; p<0.05). After 500 cycles of cyclic loading, there were no significant differences in displacement among the CG and MC repair (0.52mm v 0.44mm, p= 0.95). The displacement after MC repairs were significant smaller versus CMW and SS groups (0.44mm v 1.07mm, p= 0.0009 and 0.44mm v 0.87mm, p= 0.04, respectively) The all repairs failed most often by suture breakage (suture failure).

Conclusions

In a porcine specimen meniscus repair model, the biomechanical properties of a Meniscus Cap repair technique were superior to that of the simple suture and collagen matrix wrapping techniques. The results suggest that the Meniscal Cap repair technique may provide sufficient primary stability of the meniscal fixation even in the cases of the complex meniscus tears. Future studies of biomechanical and clinical outcomes in human meniscal repairs with this device are warranted to explore whether this repair method is valuable to clinical practice and patient outcomes.