Arthroscopic all-inside repair of challenging meniscus tears

Abstract

Meniscus tears are prevalent in isolation and in combination with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Meniscus lesions can be difficult to access and often display complex tear patterns, which result in technical challenges for the operating surgeon during surgical treatment. The aim of this video article is to demonstrate technical tips and tricks for performing all-inside repair of challenging meniscus tears. The presented techniques are indicated in young, physically active patients with symptomatic tears of the lateral and medial menisci, with or without concomitant ACL injury. The procedure is performed using standard anterolateral and anteromedial arthroscopic portals for direct visualization of complex meniscus tear patterns and all-inside instrument access. A suture passing device is used for the placement of suture loops for meniscus root repair. All-inside repair devices are used to repair the radial meniscal tears along the native circumferential fibers using a horizontal mattress suture configuration, with curved devices to achieve optimal access to challenging tears affecting the anterior and posterior aspects at the mid-body of the meniscus. Repair of radial tears at the avascular zone of the meniscus may be augmented with an autologous fibrin clot delivered using an arthroscopic cannula.

Keywords: All-Inside; Arthroscopy; Knee; Meniscus; Meniscus repair; Sports medicine.