Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy of a medial meniscus bucket-handle tear using the posteromedial portal

Arthroscopy. 2004 Sep;20(7):e75-7. doi: 10.1016/j.arthro.2004.06.024.

Abstract

Arthroscopic resection of irreparable bucket-handle tears of the medial meniscus is a commonly performed procedure. Adequate visualization of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus can be a challenging task with the conventional use of the anterior portal. An attempt to resect the posterior horn in a blind fashion may result in iatrogenic damage of the articular cartilage in the posterior compartment, over-resection of a remnant meniscus, or an insufficient resection of the torn fragment. We describe the use of the posteromedial portal for an accurate visualization and resection of the posterior attachment of a bucket-handle tear for arthroscopic partial meniscectomy, as well as detection of other injuries that may be involved in the posteromedial compartment, while avoiding injury to other intra-articular structures during the arthroscopic procedure. We found that the use of the posteromedial portal is a safe and efficient method in removing a bucket-handle tear of the medial meniscus in one piece.

MeSH terms

  • Arthroscopy / methods*
  • Cartilage, Articular / injuries
  • Humans
  • Intraoperative Complications / prevention & control
  • Knee Injuries / diagnosis
  • Menisci, Tibial / surgery*
  • Tibial Meniscus Injuries*