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Trephination of incomplete meniscal tears
J M Fox1, K G Rintz, R D Ferkel
1Southern California Orthopedic Institute, Van Nuys 91405.
Summary
Trephination, a technique creating vascular channels, effectively treats incomplete meniscal tears. This method promotes healing by connecting the tear to the meniscus
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Sports Medicine
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- The meniscus is crucial for knee joint function.
- Meniscal lesions can impair knee function.
- Promoting meniscal healing is essential for preserving knee function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the arthroscopic trephination technique for symptomatic incomplete meniscal tears.
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of trephination in human subjects.
Main Methods:
- Arthroscopic trephination was performed on patients with symptomatic incomplete meniscal tears.
- This technique creates vascular access channels from the meniscus periphery to the tear.
- The procedure aims to connect the avascular tear site to the peripheral blood supply.
Main Results:
- The trephination technique is simple and preserves the meniscus.
- It avoids risks associated with traditional suture repair.
- Good or excellent outcomes were achieved in 90% of the cases.
Conclusions:
- Arthroscopic trephination is an effective treatment for symptomatic incomplete meniscal tears.
- This technique stimulates vascularization without the risks of suturing.
- It successfully preserves the meniscus and its essential functions.