Preliminary results of the T-fix endoscopic meniscus repair technique in an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction population.

Abstract

In a study to evaluate the preliminary results of endoscopic meniscus repair using the T-fix suture anchor (Acufex Microsurgical Inc, Mansfield, MA), 21 mensiscus repairs in 20 patients were prospectively followed-up for a minimum of 1 year. There were 11 medial and 10 lateral tears; 14 were in the peripheral third (zones 0-1) and 7 were in the central third (zone 2) of the meniscus. All patients had associated anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions. At follow-up, 4 patients were symptomatic, 3 of whom had tears that were complex and in zone 2. Radiographic follow-up showed that 3 patients had a mild progression Fairbank's change. One patient required removal of all sutures because of infection. Second-look arthroscopy on 4 cases revealed that 3 had healed and 1 had not healed. Meniscus healing can be accomplished with T-fix endoscopic technique if principals of meniscus repair are adhered to (i.e., blood supply, synovial rasping, stable fixation).