Medial Meniscal Root Avulsion: A Biomechanical Comparison of Four Different Repair Constructs (SS-67)

Biomechanical Comparison of Arthroscopic Repair Constructs for Meniscal Root Tears

“…10,16 Previous studies evaluating the failure properties of root repair techniques are limited. 7,14,19 Native meniscal roots have high maximum failure loads, averaging 594 6 241 N. 14 Previous cadaveric studies have evaluated root repair constructs with maximum failure loads, defined as the maximum load achieved before displacement of the suture within meniscal testing tissue. 14,19 Maximum failure loads have ranged from 58 to 191 N in such studies, dependent on the repair construct design.…”

“…The more complex repair constructs are associated with higher maximum failure loads. 14,19 While these previous studies have shed light on the failure properties of root repair constructs, these studies have limited clinical application because suture patterns were constructed ex vivo without simulating the surgical setting. These previously described complex suture patterns remain difficult to perform using open or arthroscopic techniques, as is routinely done clinically.…”

“…9,21 The goal of this study was to compare the failure properties of complex suture patterns via an all-inside arthroscopic technique with previously studied suture patterns. 14,19 We hypothesized that the maximum failure load, stiffness, and repair execution time would vary among suture repair patterns, with higher values corresponding to increased complexity of the repair technique. We present and evaluate a new meniscal root repair construct placed with an all-inside arthroscopic technique.…”

Anatomic Reinforced Medial Meniscal Root Reconstruction With Gracilis Autograft

“… 4 , 5 Numerous studies have been performed on meniscal root anatomy and repair techniques; however, none recreate the normal meniscal root tensile strength at time 0, and repair techniques do not provide additional collagen to strengthen and stimulate biologic healing at the meniscus-bone interface. 6 , 7 , 8 Andrews et al. 9 identified a ligament-like structure that attaches the meniscal root to the tibial plateau and then transitions into the fibrocartilaginous meniscal body, thus grafting to re-create a ligamentous structure is a logical transition.…”

“…If left untreated, it has been shown to strongly correlate with progressive symptomatic joint arthritis; therefore, meniscal root repair and/or reconstruction can be surgically performed in an attempt to re-establish the normal biomechanics of the knee 4, 5. Numerous studies have been performed on meniscal root anatomy and repair techniques; however, none recreate the normal meniscal root tensile strength at time 0, and repair techniques do not provide additional collagen to strengthen and stimulate biologic healing at the meniscus-bone interface 6, 7, 8. Andrews et al 9 .…”