Introduction

The menisci play a crucial role for proper biomechanics and function of the knee. Their injuries have different origins and, depending on whether they are traumatic or degenerative, the diagnostic algorithms and treatments differ. The gold standard used to be meniscectomy, but as the importance of these anatomical structures was understood, treatments migrated towards more conservative options, trying to preserve the greatest amount of meniscal tissue and by repairing it. Therefore, reducing the risk early osteoarthritis.

Materials And Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 234 meniscal repairs between the years 2012 and 2018. The average age was 28 years old (Range 8 to 61 y.o.). 72% were associated to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery. We include isolated meniscal repairs as well as those associated with ACL reconstruction surgery, of both sexes, with techniques “inside- out”, “outside-in”, “all-in” and also the association of these two techniques. On the other hand, we excluded patients with incomplete data in the clinical history, repaired revisions performed by another surgical team, and lack of follow-up. The evaluation was based on the physical examination, the E.V.A. for pain and function using the IKDC, Lysholm and Tegner scores

Results

171 internal and 63 external menisci were repaired. Regarding the “outside in”, “all in” and hybrid (mixed) techniques, the case count was 151, 31 and 52 respectively. The average number of stitches was 3.11 with a range of 2 to 10.
The average follow-up was 33 months (Range 24 to 53 months).
There were 23 failures (9.8% of the total). 13 associated to ACL surgery, 56% of the failures and the average age of this population being the same as that of the general series (28 years old).

Conclusion

By understanding joint biomechanics and the importance of meniscal structures in the prevention of degenerative knee injuries, we should attempt meniscal repair in all cases whenever it is possible. In our series we use reproducible techniques with a low rate of complications. That is why we support the importance of "Saving the Meniscus."
Level of evidence: IV
Keywords: meniscal repair, meniscal injury.