Biomechanical comparison of vertical suture techniques for repairing radial meniscus tear

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to (1) develop suture techniques in repairing radial meniscal tear; (2) to compare the biomechanical properties of the proposed repair techniques with the conventional double horizontal technique. Methods: Thirty-six fresh-frozen porcine medial menisci were randomly assigned into four groups and a complete tear was made at the midline of each meniscus. The menisci were subsequently repaired using four different repair techniques: double vertical (DV), double vertical cross (DVX), hybrid composing one vertical and one horizontal stitch, and conventional double horizontal (DH) suture technique with suturing parallel to the tibia plateau. The conventional double horizontal group was the control. The repaired menisci were subjected to cyclic loading followed by the load to failure testing. Gap formation and strength were measured, stiffness was calculated, and mode of failure was recorded. Results: Group differences in gap formation were not statistically significant at 100 cycles (p =.42), 300 cycles (p =.68), and 500 cycles (p =.70). A trend was found toward higher load to failure in DVX (276.8 N, p