Clinical Results of Meniscal Repair Using Submeniscal Horizontal Sutures

Background:  Parts of the implants placed over the meniscus during meniscal repair can wear down the cartilage in the contact zones and cause chronic synovitis. Placing horizontal sutures under the meniscus may overcome this potential hazard. The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the midterm results of arthroscopic meniscal repair using submeniscally placed out-in horizontal sutures.  Methods:  One hundred and three meniscal repairs with submeniscal horizontal out-in technique in 103 patients were performed between 2009 and 2012. Our indications for meniscal repair were all longitudinal tear in red-red and redwhite zone with acceptable tissue quality. Clinical evaluation included the Tegner and Lysholm knee scores and clinical success was defined as absence of joint-line tenderness, locking, swelling, and a negative McMurray test. Results:  The average follow-up was 19 months (range, 14 to 40 months). The time interval from injury to meniscal repair ranged from 2 days to 390 days (median, 96 days). At the end of follow-up, the clinical success rate was 86.5%.  Fourteen of 103 repaired menisci (13.5%) were considered failures according to Barrett’s criteria. The mean Lysholm score significantly improved from 39.6 preoperatively to 84.5 postoperatively (P˂0.001). Eighty five patients (82.5%) had an excellent or good result according to Lysholm knee score. Tegner activity score improved significantly (P˂0.01) from an average of 3.4 (range, 2-6) preoperatively to 5.9 (range, 5-8) postoperatively. Statistical analysis showed that age, simultaneous anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, chronicity of injury did not affect the clinical outcome.  Conclusion:  Our results showed that acceptable midterm results are expected from submeniscal horizontal out-in repair technique. This technique is cheap, safe and has the advantage of avoiding chondral abrasion caused by solid implants and suture materials placed over the meniscus.