Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Repair Using a Transtibial Technique

Jarret M Woodmass; Rohith Mohan; Michael J Stuart; Aaron J Krych

doi:10.1016/j.eats.2016.11.006

Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Repair Using a Transtibial Technique

Arthrosc Tech. 2017 May 1;6(3):e511-e516. doi: 10.1016/j.eats.2016.11.006. eCollection 2017 Jun.

Authors

Jarret M Woodmass¹, Rohith Mohan¹, Michael J Stuart¹, Aaron J Krych¹

Affiliation

¹ Department of Orthopedic Surgery and the Sports Medicine Center, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota, U.S.A.

Abstract

The meniscal roots are critical in maintaining the normal shock absorbing function of the meniscus. If a meniscal root tear is left untreated, meniscal extrusion can occur rendering the meniscus nonfunctional resulting in degenerative arthritis. Two main repair techniques are described: (1) suture anchors (direct fixation) and (2) sutures pulled through a tibial tunnel (indirect fixation). Meniscal root repair using a suture anchor technique is technically challenging requiring a posterior portal and a curved suture passing device that can be difficult to manipulate within the knee. We present a technique for posterior medial meniscus root repair using 3 sutures (1 leader, 2 cinch), standard arthroscopy portals, and transtibial fixation. Overall, this technique simplifies a challenging procedure and allows for familiarity and efficiency.