Common Problems of the Knee

When a meniscus is torn in a location which has adequate blood supply, an Arthroscopic meniscal repair is usually performed. Currently there are two popular methods for meniscal repair.

Suture repair The meniscus can be sutured back into place with absorbable sutures. An small incision is made on the side of the knee with the affected meniscus. Suture needles are placed through cannulas and then the sutures are tied down on the outside portion of the knee through the small skin incision. The sutures are later absorbed by the body.

Absorbable fixation devices The meniscus may also be repaired by the use of absorbable devices. These are similar to tacks or nails. They have a head and a shaft with barbs to prevent backing out of the tissue. These are implanted into the knee through cannulas, and like sutures, they hold the meniscus in place until it heals. Then the devices are absorbed by the body.

[ Degenerative Joint Disease ] [ (ACL) Tear ] [ Meniscus ]