Repair of a radial tear in the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus

Abstract

Background: There have been no studies evaluating the clinical results after repair of a radial tear in the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus (PHLM) using the FasT-Fix system. This study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical outcomes after repair of a radial tear in the PHLM using the FasT-Fix system in conjunction with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Methods: Between September 2008 and August 2011, 15 radial tears in the PHLM identified during 132 consecutive ACL reconstructions were repaired using the FasT-Fix meniscal repair system. We classified the radial tears into three types according to the tear patterns: simple radial tear, complex radial tear, and radial tear involving the popliteal hiatus. Postoperative evaluation was performed using the Lysholm knee score and Tegner activity level. Second-look arthroscopy was performed in all cases.

Results: The mean follow-up period was 24 months. None of the patients had a history of recurrent effusion, joint line tenderness or a positive McMurray test. The meniscal repair was considered to have a 100% clinical success rate. At the final follow-up, the Lysholm knee score and Tegner activity level were significantly improved compared to the preoperative values. On the second-look arthroscopy, repair of radial tears in the PHLM in conjunction with ACL reconstruction using the FasT-Fix device resulted in complete or partial healing in 86.6% of cases.

Conclusion: Clinical results after meniscal repair of a radial tear in the PHLM by using the FasT-Fix system were satisfactory.

Level of evidence: Case series, Level IV.

Keywords: FasT-Fix; Knee; Meniscus; Radial tear; Repair device.