Review of the clinical results of arthroscopic meniscal repair

Knee. 2001 Jun;8(2):129-33. doi: 10.1016/s0968-0160(01)00061-8.

Abstract

A total of 62 arthroscopic meniscal repairs (60 knees in 59 patients) over a 5-year period were evaluated retrospectively to assess outcome and to identify factors that might improve future clinical results. The overall success rate was 66.1%. Early repair within 3 months of sustaining the tear gave better results (91%) than if carried out later (58%). Suture repair alone yielded better results (78%) than meniscal arrows or a T-fix device (56%). Healing rates of atraumatic meniscus tears were much lower than for traumatic tears (42 vs. 73%). The isolated atraumatic medial meniscal tear appeared to do particularly poorly (33% healing) and may be better treated by meniscectomy.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Arthroscopy / methods*
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Menisci, Tibial / surgery*
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Tibial Meniscus Injuries*
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome