title: 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).
authors.affiliation: Mississippi Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center, Jackson 39202, USA.
authors.forename: G R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Barrett
authors.forename: S H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Treacy
authors.forename: C G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Ruff
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016118:Anterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000601:surgery*; D001182:Arthroscopy; D004724:Endoscopy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008592:Menisci, Tibial / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013537:Sutures