Professional paper

MENISCEAL SUTURING OF THE KNEE JOINT

Damir Starčević ; Specijalna bolnica za ortopediju i traumatologiju AKROMION, Krapinske Toplice
Miroslav Hašpl
Denis Tršek

Abstract

The aim of this article is to present the basics of
anatomy and histology of the knee joint, biomechanical
principles, surgical treatment options, meniscal repair
techniques and results.
Menisci are important anatomical structures in the
knee joint, which enables normal knee function. Their
injuries are most commonly injuries of knee joint. With
the development and progress of arthroscopy in the last 30
years a variety of minimally invasive, safe and effective
techniques of meniscus repair have been developed.
In our hospital during the period from September
2008 until October 2009 we have done 503 knee
arthroscopy, of which meniscal repair was performed in
39 patients (7%). We used out-in, in-out, and all-inside
meniscal repair techniques. Of the 27 patients that we
followed, mean age 25 years, 20 were men and 7 women.
Recreational sports are engaged in 14 patients, and 9
active. The injury was sports related in 22 patients.
Rupture of the medial meniscus (24 patients) was 8 times
more common than lateral meniscus (3 patients). Anterior
cruciate ligament rupture was present in 10 patients
(37%). Patients are followed on average 13 (7-18)
months. Of 22 patients who were engaged in sport
preoperatively, 17 patients (81%) returned to complete the
same level of activity in sport.We have had the occurrence
of subcutaneous seroma at the site of the sutures of the
meniscus in two patients. One patient underwent
subsequent meniscectomy because of the rerupture .
In the literature, the authors show the success of
meniscal repair in 73% to 95% of cases. The most suitable
patients for meniscal repair are those who are younger
than 50 years, with fresh, longitudinal, vertical rupture in
vascular (red) zone of the meniscus. Menisci show an
even greater tendency to healing if repair is done with the
reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament.
Meniscal repair is a procedure that allows healing in
some ruptured meniscus and thus prevents the occurrence
of early osteoarthritis. Although it requires experience of
surgeon, special instruments and prolonged rehabilitation
in relation to meniscectomy, meniscal repair show very
good results

Keywords

knee; meniscus; suturing

Hrčak ID:

57800

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/57800

Publication date:

1.7.2010.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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