title: Meniscus suture techniques: a comparative biomechanical cadaver study.
abstract: The primary stability of four common meniscus suture techniques was tested on human cadaver menisci. The test series was carried out under standard conditions (25 degrees C, 100% air humidity) using the Instron 1122 Tensometer. The tearing stress of different sutures was reproducible in different specimens dependent only on the suture technique. Knot-end techniques gave inferior results (tearing stress, 24 +/- 9 N) compared with arthroscopic techniques using a loop placed on the meniscus surface (tearing stress, 89 +/- 4 N). When an open meniscus repair is performed, a vertical stitching technique (tearing stress, 105 +/- 4 N) should be the preferred method. Horizontal sutures are weaker (tearing stress, 44 +/- 18 N).
authors.affiliation: Orthopaedic Hospital, Hannover Medical School, F.R.G.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kohn
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Siebert
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002102:Cadaver; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008592:Menisci, Tibial / Q000601:surgery*; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000592:standards*; D013718:Tensile Strength