Abstract
Introduction: The introduction of bioabsorbable materials has improved the ability to offer a simple, fast and friendly user solution, to specific meniscal tears. The technique of meniscal suture with bioabsorbable tacks is associated with lower morbidity and lower complication rate.
Methods: Between 1997 and 2004, 14 patients underwent arthroscopic all-inside meniscus repair. We used Biofix bioabsorbable tacks fixation technique. Fourteen patients were followed-up: 11 males and 3 females. Their mean age was ~23 years (range 16–34). Follow-up average ~35 (range 6–72) months. Sport injuries were the main cause of meniscal tears (60%). Other causes included: work accidents (20%) and military accidents (20%). All the tears were located in red-on-red and red-on-white area. The mean length of tear was 9.6 mm. we used in average 2.5 tacks per meniscus tear. Furthermore, 4 patients had an associated ACL tear.
Results: The evaluation was based on Lisholm score. The results were excellent in 10 patients (71%), good in 1 patient (7%), fair in 2 patients (15%) and poor in 1 patient (7%). One patient suffered from transitory tender point on the medial aspect due to a protruded tack. One patient needed a menisectomy due to unresolved symptoms. One patient underwent ACL reconstruction.
Conclusion: This technique is an easy and reproducible procedure as compared to the classical meniscal suture techniques. It seems to be of a lower complication rate and further studies are needed to establish any associated morbidity.
The abstracts were prepared by Ms Orah Naor. Correspondence should be addressed to Israel Orthopaedic Association at PO Box 7845, Haifa 31074, Israel.
