Editorial Commentary: Meniscal Cartilage Suture in the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstructed Knee; To Absorb or Not to Absorb: That Is the Question.

Abstract

When considering repair of the meniscal cartilages of the knee, the indications for repair must be carefully considered. The morphology of the tear, the zone of injury, and likely vascularity have an impact on patient selection. Patient factors, chronicity of tear, medial or lateral tear, and tear complexity all have a bearing on whether to repair or resect and how best to achieve stable repair. The consequences of meniscectomy are well established, and meniscal tissue resection comes at a cost. The success rates of meniscal cartilage repair are greater when performed in conjunction with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Patient outcomes are better for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction when performed with meniscal repair than when partial meniscectomy is performed. The optimal configuration of sutures, the suture material used, and the type of suture technique are all important considerations. The focus of this commentary is on the use of absorbable versus nonabsorbable suture material.