FasT-Fix meniscal repair: mid-term results.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical success of the FasT-Fix meniscal repair device (Smith & Nephew Endoscopy, Andover, MA) associated with an accelerated rehabilitation program.


METHODS
A prospectively collected consecutive series of meniscal repairs performed with the FasT-Fix device was studied. The Lysholm, Tegner, Cincinnati, and International Knee Documentation Committee activity scores, along with the clinical examination findings and adverse events, were recorded for all patients. Associated procedures were recorded. An accelerated postoperative rehabilitation program was followed, independent of concurrent anterior cruciate ligament surgery.


RESULTS
Forty-one meniscal repairs were performed, with an average follow-up of 30.7 months (range, 12 to 58 months). Twenty-nine of 41 repairs were performed in conjunction with anterior cruciate ligment reconstruction. The other repairs were in stable knees. There were 26 medial and 15 lateral meniscus repairs. Both menisci were repaired in 5 knees. Repeat arthroscopies were performed for 12 repairs and 7 (17%) were found to have failed. The preoperative and postoperative Lysholm, Tegner, Cincinnati, and International Knee Documentation Committee activity scores were 47.3 and 87.4, 3.4 and 7.2, 38.7 and 82.8, and 2.3 and 3.4, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
The FasT-Fix meniscal repair associated with an accelerated rehabilitation program resulted in clinically effective meniscal repair in 83% at the time of follow-up. Clinical outcome measures all improved.


METHODS
Level IV, therapeutic case series.
Barber
F Alan
FA
Plano Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center, Plano, Texas, USA.
Schroeder
F Alexander
FA
Oro
Fernando Barrera
FB
Beavis
R Cole
RC
D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016118:Anterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000601:surgery*; D000070598:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; D002648:Child; D004867:Equipment Design; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D008592:Menisci, Tibial / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D000070600:Tibial Meniscus Injuries; D055815:Young Adult