Clinical results of arthroscopic all-inside lateral meniscal repair using the Meniscal Viper Repair System

Purpose: This study examined the postoperative outcome of the all-inside arthroscopic meniscal suture repair technique using the Meniscal Viper Repair System for lateral meniscus tears. Methods: Between January 2006 and December 2008, 57 patients (27 males and 30 females) with lateral meniscus tears who underwent meniscal repair using the Meniscal Viper Repair System were evaluated prospectively. Among them, 52 cases were tears involving the posterior third of the lateral meniscus, and most were longitudinal tears or bucket handle tears. The postoperative follow-up period ranged from 12 months to 4 years and 2 months, and averaged 19 months. Results: Both Lysholm and Japanese Orthopaedic Association Score were significantly improved after surgery. Forty-nine of 57 patients (86.0 %) had no locking or catching, no joint line tenderness, and a negative McMurray test at the last follow-up. Of 32 patients who underwent second-look arthroscopy, 24 achieved complete healing, while four showed partial healing and required repeat repair, and four showed no healing and meniscectomy was conducted. The failure rate in all patients was thus 14.0 % (8 of 57 repairs). No major complications associated with the use of the Meniscal Viper Repair System were observed. Conclusion: The Meniscal Viper System is a convenient and effective device for all- inside lateral meniscal suture, with high success rate and no major complications. © 2012 Springer-Verlag France.