Arthroscopic Repair of Horizontal Meniscus Tears by Vertical Sutures With Packing Technique

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to report short term results of arthroscopic repair of horizontal meniscus tears by vertical sutures with packing technique METHODS: Seventeen patients with an average age of 33 years were treated. Repair was performed to the patients that horizontal component of the tear extends into the capsular zone of the meniscus after excision of the unstable, central or flap components of the tears. The repair was performed after rasping and trephination, with vertical sutures that one leg of the suture is on the superior surface of the menisci and the other leg of the suture is under the inferior surface of the menisci by inside-out technique using the zone-specific curved canulas and all-inside technique using all inside meniscal devices. 9 medial and 8 lateral meniscus tears were treated. RESULTS: Evaluation was performed by Lysholm functional knee scores. All patients were followed clinically and radiological by means of MRI to assess meniscus integrity at the repair site with an average follow-up of 12 months. MRI showed a healed meniscus at the repair sites in only five cases (29%) but with no further disruption of the tear components and osteoarthritic changes in all cases. Mean of Lysholm scores improved from 58 preoperatively to 92 postoperatively that was found statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Repairing of horizontal meniscus tears that extend into capsular zone instead of resection improves activity level and prevents meniscal loss.