Interference Screw Versus Suture Endobutton Fixation of a Fiber-Reinforced Meniscus Replacement Device in a Human Cadaveric Knee Model:

Background:Meniscal lesions represent one of the most common intra-articular knee injuries. Meniscus replacement devices are needed to restore load distribution and knee stability after meniscectomy. Fixation of these devices is crucial to the generation of hoop stresses and the distribution of loads in the joint.Purpose:To evaluate 2 different fixation techniques (suture endobutton and interference screw) for implantation of a novel meniscus device.Study Design:Controlled laboratory study.Methods:In 7 human cadaveric knees (aged 17-61 years), 1 anterior and 2 potential posterior tunnel locations were investigated, and both fixation techniques were tested in each tunnel. The native meniscus roots, devices fixed with a suture endobutton, and devices fixed with an interference screw were gripped with cryoclamps, and tibias were drilled and loaded into a custom jig. Samples were preloaded, preconditioned, loaded for 500 cycles (50-150 N), and tested in tension until failure.Results:For all 3 tunnels, suture ...