Biofix resorbable meniscus arrow for meniscal ruptures: results of a 1-year follow-up

Modern individuals with a long and healthy life expectancy perform more and more physical activities both in daily life and in sport. This demanding life-style forces the surgeon to perform less radical surgery for meniscal ruptures, thus avoiding the early degenerative changes which frequently occur in totally or partially meniscectomized knees. When repair is possible, meniscal suture must be considered. Various arthroscopic techniques of meniscus suturing have been reported. "Inside-out," "outside-in," and more recently "all-inside" techniques can be used. Complications include saphenous and peroneal nerve damage and vascular lesions. The Biofix arrow fixation technique, which is an all-inside procedure, is easier and in our hands less time-consuming than other arthroscopic suturing techniques. Postoperatively, partial weight bearing is prescribed for 3 weeks. Progressive return to sport activity is allowed after 3 months. Twenty-five patients (26 meniscal repairs) with a mean age of 31.6 years (13-57) were reviewed. Follow-up averaged 16.7 months (12-22). The evaluation was based on the modified Marshall knee score. Three patients had an extra-articular reconstruction for anterior cruciate ligament deficiency, and five had an arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with a ligament allograft. The results were excellent or good in 22 patients (88% "satisfactory" outcome). Three patients had poor results. One patient with a new trauma presented a lateral meniscal lesion associated with an ACL rupture. The Biofix arrow fixation technique allows safe fixation of meniscal ruptures, specifically of posterior horn lesions where injury of neurovascular structures is not uncommon.