Revision Anterior Horn Medial Meniscus Root Repair.

Abstract

Meniscus root tears, while less common than tears of the meniscal body, are considered among the most serious meniscal lesions because of their effect on knee kinematics. Posterior tears of the meniscal root attachments are the most prevalent root tear pattern. Anterior meniscal root tears are less common and present unique challenges with visualization and instrument navigation for viable cortical fixation. Treatment options for meniscal root tears include nonoperative treatment, partial meniscectomy, or meniscus root repair. Repair is becoming more popular over partial meniscectomy; however, root repair techniques have a failure rate of about 20%. This technique describes an arthroscopic-assisted revision anterior horn medial meniscus root repair for failure of a previous repair. This revision technique involves a mini-arthrotomy to improve visualization of the medial meniscus anterior root attachment and to allow for a more secure repair. Outcomes and failure rates of revision meniscus root repair are comparable to primary repair, and revision should be performed to restore function and prevent medial compartment osteochondral degeneration.