Mid-term results of the meniscus repair using horizontal sub-meniscal sutures summary

Abstract

One of the reasons for using sub-meniscal sutures is to prevent scratching the femoral condyle cartilage. The aim of this study is to investigate the mid-term results in patients treated with this technique. 90 patients with meniscal tear with or without anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear were studied from 2012 to 2016. They had, at least, two years passed from their meniscus repair surgery and all treated with arthroscopic method and horizontal and sub-meniscal repair technique. Tegner-Lysholm test, IKDC, and Tegner activity test were used for clinical evaluation. Clinical success was investigated through the absence of joint line tenderness, knee locking, and negative Mac-Murray test. The interval of the trauma to the repair surgery was compared in different age and weight groups. Follow-up period was 38/4 آ± 8/2 months (24-58). After surgery, Tegner- Lyshholm and IKDC score improved significantly (p <0.001). Tegner-Lyshholm increased from 48/ 03 to 93/64 and IKDC increased from 37/18 to 91/92. Tegner activity score also significantly increased from 3.4 at the time of the damage to 5/06 after surgery (p <0.001). According to the results of Mac-Nemar test, joint swelling, joint line tenderness, and knee locking were also decreased significantly after the surgery (p <0.001). The results of the study were affected by the BMI less than 25, trauma to repair surgery interval less than 12 months, and the concurrent ACL repair. The use of horizontal Sub-meniscal technique in repairing the meniscus tears has clinically acceptable results. This technique is simple and it prevents the damage to the cartilage caused by suture and implant materials.