Medial meniscal root repair with the lasso technique

OBJECTIVES: To describe a new technique for repair of root tears of the medial meniscus. To determine that this technique is not inferior to other pull out repair techniques as described in the current literature. METHODS: This paper reports on an observational series of an operative technique for repair of root tears of the medial meniscus. Twenty-five sequential patients presenting with root tears of the medial meniscus are described. The technique describes a simple method for repairing the root of the medial meniscus using a trans-tibial tunnel, suture loop, Fast-Fix meniscal sutures and a modified ACL jig as a prototype device. RESULTS: Two objective failures have occurred in 25 sequential patients. 13 patients presented with significant medial femoral condyle oedema on MRI scan, all resolved on 6 months post operative MRI. Patients showed marked improvement in outcome measures with an average increase in the following scores;Tegner Lysholm of 50.8, KOOS of 46.9, IKDC 43, Oxford Knee Score 22.6, WOMAC 49.3.Time from injury to surgery appears to be a predictor of failure. CONCLUSION: The described technique compares reasonably to similar case series in the current literature. A successful outcome results in significant improvement in patient reported outcomes. Delay to surgery is a risk factor for failure.