Midterm results of meniscal repair using the BioStinger meniscal repair device.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the midterm healing rate and any adverse events from meniscus repair using the BioStinger meniscus repair device (Linvatec, Largo, FL).


METHODS
A retrospective review of a consecutive series of meniscal repairs performed by a single surgeon using the BioStinger was conducted. The BioStinger is cannulated, made of molded poly L-lactic acid, and inserted over a needle into the meniscus tissue. Clinical results and adverse events were noted, and Lysholm, Tegner, Cincinnati, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) activity scores were obtained on all patients.


RESULTS
Forty-one patients underwent 41 meniscal repairs with an average follow-up of 38.6 months (range, 24 to 69 months); 35 meniscus repairs were performed in conjunction with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and 6 in stable knees. Tears repaired were peripheral, posterior horn tears with an average length of 2 cm. Clinical evidence of meniscal healing was observed in 95% at the time of last follow-up. Six second-look arthroscopies were performed and 2 failures were found. All other patients were symptom free. At follow-up, the mean Tegner score was 6.1 (2.8 preoperative), IKDC activity score was 3.3 (2.1 preoperative), Lysholm score was 90.6 (48.7 preoperative), and the mean Cincinnati score was 86.7 (41.3 preoperative). Four patients had peripheral migration of the device without skin tenting or perforation; 3 underwent removal of the BioStinger from the soft tissues and the other resolved after 12 months.


CONCLUSIONS
The midterm clinical success rate was 95% using the BioStinger device. Adverse events were observed in few cases.


METHODS
Level IV, cases series.
Barber
F Alan
FA
Plano Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center, Plano, Texas 75093, USA.
Coons
David A
DA
D020341:Absorbable Implants / Q000009:adverse effects; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016118:Anterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000601:surgery; D000070598:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; D001182:Arthroscopy; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005548:Foreign-Body Migration / Q000209:etiology; D050724:Fractures, Cartilage / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D016268:Internal Fixators / Q000009:adverse effects; D019344:Lactic Acid; D008297:Male; D008592:Menisci, Tibial / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing
D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers; D019344:Lactic Acid; C033616:poly(lactide)