[Arthroscopic surgery: meniscus refixation and meniscus healing]

Abstract

The stabilizing function of the meniscus and the negative effect of a complete or partial meniscectomy have been demonstrated in many studies. On the other hand, it has also been shown that meniscus tears in certain locations can heal very well. The prerequisite is that the torn meniscus can be revascularized from the capsule. Revascularization can be achieved by stimulating the formation of new vessels, but also by the build-up of collagen after induction of fibrochondrocytes and fibroblasts. The requirements for meniscus reconstruction are: careful preparation of the tear, exact repositioning, and precise placement of the sutures. The additional activation of regenerating processes is promoted by using a fibrin clot. In this study, 54 patients underwent meniscus repair, but the results in this group that also received a fibrin clot are not included. In the case of longitudinal-vertical tears of the meniscus inside the 3-mm zone margin, it was decided that the procedure was indicated when tears longer than 1.5 cm were concerned. The inside-out technique was used. Subjective and objective examination of 52 patients showed that the clinical results were good to very good in 92%.