Meniscus Repair

Austin Fares, MD

Content Contributor

Evolution of Meniscus Repair

The meniscus are a C shaped discs within the knee made of fibrocartilage that essentially provide cushioning and stability to the knee joint. A meniscus tear is a very common injury and finding. Treatment is often with knee arthroscopy, either trimming away the torn menisucs( partial meniscectomy) or repairing it. Todays techniques and technologies have seen a recent revolution in repair and repair or fixation tehcnology. All-inside meniscal repair techniques have gained popularity in recent years as a practical way to repair and secure meniscal tears. The advantages of this technique are that it allows for quicker and more minimally invasive surgeries mitigating the need for those larger accessory incisions seen in inside-out repairs. Repairing the meniscus is very successful to relieve pain and possible prevent the potential for arthritis within the knee.

This technique first begins with the surgeon placing a camera within the joint, called arthroscopy. Once the tear is identified an all-inside meniscus repair device enters the knee via a second small incision. The device will pierce the meniscus cartilage and eject the suture across the tear and into the knee capsule securing the tear and closing down the meniscal defect. Doing so avoids trimming down the meniscus, or cushion, in your knee and possibly preventing increased wear and arthritis.

Technology Spotlight

Arthrex Meniscal Cinch™ II All-Inside Meniscal Repair

The Arthrex Meniscal Cinch™ II All-Inside Meniscal Repair device allows surgeons the many benefits of all-inside meniscal repair. Specifically, this implant provides ergonomic handling and simplicity as it has a linear deployment mechanism. Likewise, this device is low-profile allowing for flexibility in tight locations within the knee, potentially limiting accidental damage to the healthy cartilage on the bone ends. Unlike other devices, the suture within this device is pre-tied, which tensions easily and facilitates secure, low-profile meniscus repairs.