In a clinical study with the bioabsorbable Bionx Meniscus Arrow we prospectively evaluated 113 consecutive patients (113 menisci) after all-inside meniscus repair. Repairs were performed in either the medial (80.5%) or lateral (19.5%) posterior horn in the red-red or red-white meniscal zone; 66% of patients underwent concomitant ACL reconstruction. Assessment was based on history, clinical examination, and Lysholm [37] and Cincinnati Knee Scores. After a mean follow-up was 33 months (range 24-43; n=105) 21 (20%) patients showed signs and symptoms consistent with a meniscus tear (16 medial, 5 lateral) and underwent partial meniscectomy. In 11 (52%) of the revised patients concomitant ACL reconstruction was performed; 4 (19%) of revised patients were older than 35 years. In the nonrevised the average Lysholm Score was 92.5 and the average Cincinnati Score 90.4. Two patients showed a distinct femoral cartilage damage. Patient's age did not significantly affect the revision rate. Meniscus repair with the bioabsorbable arrow leads to clinical results comparable to those of traditional suture techniques. When stabilized, patients with concomitant ACL reconstruction showed comparable results to patients without ACL rupture. The simple and time saving all-inside insertion obviates the need for additional incisions and avoids knot tying. A proper tear selection and arrow positioning is necessary and should avoid cartilage damage.

The learning curve can be comprehended by the distribution of complications in collective A. Having spent 6 months performing under supervision of surgeon A, surgeon B has a lower complication rate than surgeon A when comparing the first 61 patients each surgeon operated on. This implies that surgeon B benefits from the experience of surgeon A. According to this analysis, beginners in arthroscopic FAI treatment should be taught at a specialized centre to reduce the number of complications.

At 12 years' follow-up 73% had a successful surgery. KOOS was significantly better within isolated meniscus tears. Both groups showed no difference in the TAS. There were no differences regarding failure rate in the comparison of simultaneous or delayed ACL-reconstruction.

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