Objectives: We evaluated the mid-term clinical results of patients who underwent arthroscopic meniscal repair.
Methods: Sixty-one patients (43 males, 18 females; mean age 26.9 years; range 17 to 42 years) underwent meniscal repair using conventional suture techniques for unstable vertical longitudinal meniscal tears in the peripheral vascular zone, measuring more than 1 cm. All patients had an adequate follow-up. The involved side was right in 34 patients, and left in 27 patients. The localization was medial in 36 tears, and lateral in 25 tears. Arthroscopic meniscal repair technique was inside-out in 47 cases, and outside-in in 14 cases. Associated lesions were anterior cruciate ligament tears in 24 patients, and tibial plateau fractures in five patients, all of which were treated simultaneously. The patients were evaluated with the use of a modified Marshall knee scoring system. The mean follow-up was 44 months (range 12 to 72 months).
Results: The results were excellent in 41 patients, good in 14 patients, fair in three patients, and poor in three patients. Limited range of motion seen in four knees postoperatively was successfully treated by arthroscopic release and an intense rehabilitation program. All patients returned to sports activities within a mean of six months. Second-look arthroscopy performed in 20 patients after a mean of six months postoperatively showed complete healing of the involved menisci in 17 patients.
Conclusion: Meniscal tears occurring in the peripheral vascular zone without any injury to the meniscal body can be successfully repaired using conventional suture techniques.