The meniscus, which acts like a shock absorber is frequently torn. When torn symptoms can include pain, swelling as well as periodic catching and locking.

In some instance the tear can be repaired, however most of the time it cannot. When meniscal repair is feasible, the repair can be accomplished using either: suture or bioabsorbable tacks.

Realizing the importance of the meniscus, a repair of the tear is always the first option. However in those instances where repair is not feasible the torn meniscal segment is resected.

Meniscal overbiter video clips:

• Clip 1 (1 min 12 sec) 16.6 Mb
• Clip 2 (1min 11 sec ) 16.3 Mb

Meniscal Repair With Sutures

Meniscal repair using a suture technique allows for the repair of a wide range of tears, some of which may not be appropriate for repair using bioabsorbable tacks.

Although this is an inside-out technique, when combined with a posterior cannula, it is possible to repair posterior horn tears using an all inside technique.

Meniscal Repair With Bioabsorbable Tack

Bioabsorbable meniscal tacks offer a minimally invasive method for repairing torn menisci using an all inside technique. We currently use the tack and delivery system developed by Bionx Implants Inc.

Advantages include:

• minimally invasive
• shorter OR time
• stable fixation
• when healing is complete the implant is absorbed