[Follow-up of sutured meniscus by means of survival analysis]

We describe a retrospective study of patients operated by meniscal suture at our hospital from 1986 through 1992. 63 patients were operated, 50 males and 13 females. Mean age was 26 years. Complete data were retrieved at follow-up for 57 patients. Mean observation time was two years. 90% were operated using the arthroscopical technique. 25 patients have been re-operated because of meniscal rerupture. The cumulative survival rate was 44% five years after operation. Survival analysis revealed no significant differences by variables such as sex, age, instability and lateral or medial location revealed. Experienced surgeons achieved only insignificantly better long-term results than did trainees. There was no significant difference in healing rate between displaced bucket-handle and non-displaced tears, nor between chronic and acute tears.