Anterior medial meniscal root tears: a novel arthroscopic all inside repair

Abstract

Background: Management of tears of the anterior and posterior roots of the meniscus is still controversial. We wish to propose a simple technique of suture anchor to repair tears of the anterior root of the medial meniscus. Methods: Twelve patients, active males, underwent arthroscopic repair of the anterior meniscal horn between 2009 and 2011. All were assessed postoperatively at an average follow-up of 1 year after the index operation. Results: At the last appointment, the average Lysholm scores was improved from a pre-operative average value of 48±17 to a postoperative value of 91±7 (P<0.001); five patients (45.3%) were scored as excellent (≥95), and 7 (54.6%) as good (85–94). At the last appointment, 8 of 9 active patients practiced sport at the same preoperative level, 1 (8.5%) had changed to lower level of activity. No technique related complications were evident.