Arthroscopic Meniscal Repair Using Biodegradable Screws

Abstract

Objective

Repair of meniscal tears to restore meniscal shape and function as well as to preserve meniscal chondroprotective and knee-stabilizing properties.

Indications

Peripheral incomplete or complete longitudinal tears of the medial or lateral meniscus.

“Bucket-handle tears”.

Contraindications

Unstable joint not treated successfully.

Complex meniscal tears or radial tears.

Degenerative meniscal tissue.

Meniscal lesions in the avascular central zone.

Osteoarthritis.

Infections.

Local cutaneous affections.

Surgical Technique

Knee arthroscopy and inspection of the meniscal lesion. Freshening of the meniscal edges using a rasp or shaver. Intraarticular placement of the meniscal screws using a cannulated device. Perforation of the meniscus and refixation of the tear.

Results

60 patients of a total of 65 were followed up by clinical examination after an average of 18 (8–34) months. Two patients had already undergone a partial meniscectomy at the time of follow-up, three had a recurrence of typical clinical signs of a meniscal tear. The other 55 patients rated the overall clinical results as “excellent” (n = 21), “good” (n = 31), or “satisfactory” (n = 3). The average Lysholm score at the time of examination was 93 (49–100) points.