Outside-In Meniscus Repair Using a Bidirectional Device for Anterior Horn Tears and Its Applicability to...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Surgical innovation
• Sports medicine

Background:

• The outside-in technique is standard for anterior horn tears due to direct access.
• Conventional methods involve complex instrument manipulation in confined spaces.
• Improved techniques are needed to streamline surgical procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a specialized needle for simplified suture passage in rotator cuff repairs.
• To evaluate the efficacy of this device in treating anterior horn and bucket-handle tears.
• To reduce operative time and complexity in rotator cuff surgery.

Main Methods:

• A specialized needle with a bidirectional groove was developed for single-handed suture passage.
• The technique allows for both antegrade and retrograde suture passage.
• A hybrid approach combining all-inside and outside-in techniques was used for bucket-handle tears.

Main Results:

• The specialized needle facilitates single-handed suture passage, simplifying the procedure.
• Operative time is reduced compared to conventional methods.
• The hybrid approach for bucket-handle tears achieved fixation comparable to the inside-out technique.

Conclusions:

• The bidirectional groove needle offers a simplified and efficient method for rotator cuff repair.
• This device is versatile, applicable to both anterior horn and bucket-handle tears.
• The technique shows promise in improving surgical outcomes and reducing procedure time.