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. 2016 Jan 18;5(1):e63-6.
doi: 10.1016/j.eats.2015.10.003. eCollection 2016 Feb.

Arthroscopic Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Fixation Using a Modified Mason-Allen Stitch

Kyu Sung Chung  1 , Jeong Ku Ha  2 , Ho Jong Ra  3 , Jin Goo Kim  4
Affiliations

Arthroscopic Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Fixation Using a Modified Mason-Allen Stitch

Kyu Sung Chung et al. Arthrosc Tech. .

Abstract

A complete radial tear of the meniscus posterior root, which can effectively cause a state of total meniscectomy via loss of hoop tension, requires that the torn root be repaired. Several methods have been used to repair medial meniscus posterior root tears, most of which are based on a simple stitch technique that is known to have stitch-holding strength. We applied a modified version of the Mason-Allen stitch technique, which is recognized as a method for rotator cuff repair surgery because its locking effect overcomes the potential weakness of simple stitches. This article introduces the medial meniscus posterior root tears repair procedure based on a modified Mason-Allen stitch technique in which 2 strands (i.e., 1 simple horizontal and 1 simple vertical stitch) are used.

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Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1
Arthroscopic images with 30° arthroscopy via anterolateral portal of right medial meniscus root tear fixation. (A) The detached portion of the medial meniscus posterior horn is penetrated by the sharp tip of the suture hook. Then, No. 1 polydioxanone (PDS) is advanced through the suture hook to the tibial side and taken out through the anteromedial portal using a suture retriever. (B) The other strand is placed in a position inside that of the first suture, in an identical manner via the same portal.
Fig 2
Fig 2
(A) Using the shuttle relay method, the first suture is exchanged with the second suture so that the horizontal loop is completed. (B) A crescent-shaped suture hook loaded with No.1 polydioxanone is again passed through the anteromedial portal, and a simple vertical stitch is made that overlays and crosses the center of the horizontal suture.
Fig 3
Fig 3
(A) The meniscus is reduced and stabilized when the ends of the sutures are pulled through the tibial tunnel under adequate tension. (B) The suture ends are then tied over a Hewson button, which is placed under the periosteum overlying the anteromedial tibial cortex.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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