Meniscal repair: Technique

Abstract

Meniscal repair aims to achieve meniscal healing, avoiding the adverse effects of meniscectomy. Longitudinal vertical tears in a vascularized area are the reference indication. The technique generally uses hybrid all-inside implants. The outside-in technique has other indications in more anterior tears. Healing has been demonstrated on CT-arthrography and arthroscopy. Specific techniques have been developed for other pathological situations. Posterior meniscosynovial lesions in a context of chronic anterior laxity are identified by exploration of the posterior compartment, and fixed by all-inside hook suture. Horizontal lesions in young athletes can be treated by open meniscal suture. Radial tears, when deep, can be repaired. Root tears, when traumatic, can be treated by transosseous pullout reinsertion.

Keywords: Horizontal cleavage; Longitudinal vertical tear; Meniscal repair; Meniscocapsular lesion; Meniscus; Ramp lesion; Root tear.