[MEDIUM-TERM EFFECTIVENESS OF BOTH SIDE STEREO SUTURE FOR MENISCUS BUCKET HANDLE TEAR UNDER ARTHROSCOPY].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the medium-term effectiveness of both side stereo suture for meniscus bucket handle tear under arthroscopy.

METHODS

Between January 2009 and December 2012, 38 patients with combined injury of meniscus bucket handle tear underwent arthroscope surgery by the method of both side stereo suture. There were 26 males and 12 females with an average age of 32 years (range, 19-42 years). The injury causes included sports injury in 21 cases, traffic accident injury in 11 cases, and other trauma in 6 cases. The left knee was involved in 15 cases and the right knee in 23 cases. The interval between injury and operation was 2 days to 6 months (mean, 2.5 months). MRI examination showed meniscus injury at grade III, including 22 cases of internal injury and 16 cases of lateral injury. The Barrett standard, Lysholm score of knee joint, and joint mobility were used to assess the function recovery of the knee joint.

RESULTS

All incisions healed primarily with no complication. All cases were followed up 24.5 months on average (range, 18-36 months). Based on the Barrett standard, meniscus bucket handle tear was successfully repaired in all cases. The Lysholm scores and range of motion of the knee at 6 months, 12 months, and last follow-up were significantly better than preoperative ones (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The both side stereo suture of meniscus bucket handle tear under arthroscopy has an excellent medium-term effectiveness, with the advantages of firm suture and high healing rate.