Initial Biomechanical Properties of Transtibial Meniscal Root Repair are Improved By Using a Knotless Anchor as a Post-Insertion Tensioning Device

Abstract

The importance of meniscal root integrity to preserve contact load distribution and stability at the knee joint is recognised. Transosseous suture technique is commonly used to repair meniscal root tears. However, clinical results are not completely satisfactory. Specifically, concern exists about the development of substantial displacements at the repaired root. This study aims to assess if the use of a post-insertion tensioning knotless-anchor at the distal exit of the tibial tunnel improves time-zero biomechanical properties of the transtibial repair compared to knotting sutures over a cortical button. Twenty porcine tibia with detached posterior medial meniscal roots were randomized into two groups depending on the method to fix the sutures after root repair: knotless-anchor (KA) or suture-button (SB). Specimens underwent cyclic and load-to-failure testing. Group KA showed significantly smaller residual root displacements after low-level repetitive loads. At the load-to-failure test, Group KA exhibited significantly lower displacements at representative subcritical loads and higher resistance to development of clinically relevant displacements. The authors conclude that use of a knotless suture anchor attached at the distal outlet of the bone tunnel may be an effective solution to reduce root displacements in transtibial meniscal root repairs, a matter reported to alter biomechanics of joint contact.