New Technique for Knee Repair in Children

A study has shown that an advanced suturing procedure for repairing medial or lateral meniscal avascular tears in children and adolescents eliminates pain in three out of four cases and obviates the need for meniscus removal and the later pain and arthritis such removal can cause.

In the new technique, many fine sutures are placed on the top and bottom of the tear, much like repairing a torn skin edge. A small 1.5-inch incision is made about the knee joint, allowing the sutures to secure the meniscus back to its natural bed. Because the procedure uses the arthroscope, it can be performed on an outpatient basis. Recovery is fairly rapid, although the patient must remain on crutches for four to six weeks. Over a period of two to three months, the repair matures to provide a strong construct and necessary cushioning. A full return to sports is allowed in six months.

The technique was pioneered by Frank R. Noyes, M.D., of Cincinnati (OH, USA) Sportsmedicine and Orthopedic Center. Noyes described his technique at the annual American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine's Specialty Day presentation in San Francisco (CA, USA). Over the 14-year period of his study, 61 patients aged 9-19 were followed after undergoing the suturing repair. Four years later, three out of four patients were pain-free.

"Too often in my practice, I've had to treat patients under the age of 30 with severe arthritis because they had their meniscus removed years earlier,” said Noyes. "The impact of being able to save the meniscus in patients is extremely satisfying.”




Related Links:
American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine