Summary

The radial tear in lateral meniscus causes articular cartilage damages. But it is difficult for repairing wide split radial tear. We have performed all inside repair for tying this tear. We have done 12 knees in 11 patients. Seven cases were followed up more than 6 months. In MRI good shape lateral meniscus was seen in 2 knees, continuity of meniscus was seen but volume was getting small in 5 knee

Abstract

Purpose

The radial tear in lateral meniscus causes sever articular cartilage damages. In this condition meniscal repair is highly recommended for treatment. But it is difficult for repairing wide split radial tear. We have performed all inside repair for tying this tear. We introduce all inside repair technique for wide split radial tear of lateral meniscus and investigate post-operative results.
[Material & method] At first strong suture thread was passed peripheral posterior edge of torn part using suture passer. Percutaneously Suture retriever (Meniscal Mender II) pierced femoral side capsule into the joint and then at meniscal anterior edge of torn part retriever was passed through from femoral surface to tibial surface of meniscus. Finally, the tip of needle was seen beneath the meniscus. The metal suture capture loop was passed through needle. The suture was relayed from posterior to anterior torn part of meniscus and was tied inside of the joint by sliding knot method.
We have done 12 knees in 11 patients. Two knees were done lateral meniscectomy in another hospital, 1 knee was re-torn after latera meniscal suture, 4 knees were traumatic lateral meniscal tear and 5 knees were lateral discoid meniscal tear. Seven cases were followed up more than 6 months. MRI evaluations were than all cases.
[Results]One case was healed in arthroscopic examination during second look of ACLR. In MRI good shape of lateral meniscus was seen in 2 knees, continuity of meniscus was seen but volume was getting small in 5 knees. In 1 knee re-tear has occurred traumatically 3 months after operation and re-torn meniscus was sutured again in this manner.

Discussion

It is difficult for repairing wide split lateral meniscal radial tear. Our all inside procedure can crimp the stump of meniscus and results were good. Our procedure is helpful for successful results for repairing the wide split radial tear of lateral meniscus.