All-Inside Meniscus Repair
An arthroscopic procedure performed to repair tears in specific parts of the meniscus. Two small incisions are made on the front of the knee. An arthroscopic camera and instruments are used to identify the tear and ensure it is amenable to repair. A meniscal repair device is used to pass suture through the torn meniscus and secure it outside the joint capsule with a plastic or absorbable anchor. The other end of the suture is passed through the meniscus to close the defect caused by the tear and secured outside the capsule with another anchor. The suture can then be tightened inside the knee to ensure the defect is closed and secure. The number of sutures placed will be determined by the size of the tear.
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Common Questions About All-Inside Meniscus Repair
What is meniscus repair?
Meniscus repair is the sewing together of torn meniscal tissue.
When should a meniscus tear be repaired?
In a young patient when the tear is in a simple configuration (a uni-directional tear), is acute, and is in the more vascular red-white or red-red zones of the knee it should be repaired. If it is a complex tear (multi-directional, degenerative tear, flap tear, or tear in the white non-vascular zone then it should be removed and not repaired.
How is All-Inside Meniscus Repair performed?
All-inside meniscus repair is performed arthroscopically by placing sutures inside the knee to repair the meniscus. The sutures are anchored behind the knee capsule with the suturing device and self-tensioned without any knots need to be tied. No accessory incision are made outside the knee and thus it is considered "all-inside" the knee.
Who is the best candidate for All-Inside meniscus repair?
The ideal candidate is a patient with a small and simple configuration (unidirectional) meniscus tear in the red-red or red-white zone.
What is the recovery after all-inside meniscus repair?
After surgery the patient is non-weight bearing with the use of crutches for 4 weeks. Physical therapy is prescribed for 8 weeks before return to full activity.
