Arthroscopic repair of meniscal tears extending into the avascular zone in patients younger than twenty years of age.
BACKGROUND
Limited data are available regarding repair results of meniscal tears extending into the central avascular region.


OBJECTIVE
Meniscal tears extending into the avascular region can be successfully repaired in patients less than 20 years old.


METHODS
Prospective cohort study.


METHODS
We examined the results of 71 meniscal repairs (64 knees) for tears extending into the central avascular region in patients 19 years of age or younger; 67 were examined clinically (mean, 51 months after surgery) and 36, by follow-up arthroscopy (mean, 18 months).


RESULTS
In 53 of 71 (75%) meniscal repairs patients had no tibiofemoral compartment symptoms and there were no clinical failures. In 18 (25%) meniscal repairs, patients showed tibiofemoral symptoms or a failed repair was detected on follow-up arthroscopy. In the subgroup of 45 knees with meniscal repair and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction evaluated clinically, 39 (87%) patients rated their knee as normal or very good, 2 (4%) as good, 3 (7%) as fair, and 1 (2%) as poor.


CONCLUSIONS
A stable repair of complex meniscal tears that extend into the avascular region can be obtained using a meticulous inside-out vertical divergent suture technique. We recommend repair, particularly in young active patients in whom removal of complex tears would result in major loss of meniscal function and the risk of future arthrosis.
Cincinnati Sportsmedicine and Orthopaedic Center and the Deaconess Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio 45219, USA.
Frank R
FR
Noyes
Sue D
SD
Barber-Westin
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001182:Arthroscopy; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008592:Menisci, Tibial / Q000601:surgery*; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures; D011446:Prospective Studies; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D012086:Reoperation; D012421:Rupture / Q000601:surgery; D013536:Suture Techniques; D000070600:Tibial Meniscus Injuries