Outside-In-Outside Repair Technique for Anterior Horn and Body Meniscal Tear: A Modified Technique

Abstract

Meniscus is an important structure within the knee to maintain stability and load gravity distribution. Compared with meniscectomy, timely meniscal repair can reduce the risk of knee regression and laxity. Various methods have been studied to repair the meniscus. Among them, the outside-in technique is appropriate to repair anterior and middle segments of the meniscus. A number of modifications of this technique have been described in previous literatures. However, it still has disadvantages, such as complex intra-articular maneuvers, requiring extra devices sometimes. Therefore, we have developed the modified outside-in technique using thin steel wire to introduce the suture from the outside to the inside and then to the outside. We then make a knot outside the capsule. The advantages of our technique are that it is easy to perform, is reproducible, and avoids making multiple intra-articular suture loops.