Arthroscopic suture of peripheral meniscal tears

Twenty-nine patients underwent meniscal repair using an inside-to-out technique and instruments developed in our department. The tears were more than 1.5 cm in length, vertical, and located in the outer third of the meniscus. The torn segment was mobile, the remainder of the meniscus stable. After six months, fourteen out of sixteen patients achieved a good or excellent Lysholm knee score. We conclude that the technique is safe and reliable and allows better access than an arthrotomy. Care must be taken to avoid neurovascular injury.