Biomechanical Study of Meniscal Repair Using Horizontal Sutures and Vertical Loop Techniques

Meniscus plays an important role in weight‑bearing and energy absorption. Moreover,
its function is optimal to maintain joint stability and congruous. Treatments for meniscus damage
or meniscus tear include open or arthroscopic repair and meniscectomy. One of the most important
factors that influence patients’ recovery outcome is restoration technique. The purpose of this study
was to compare the strength of recently new method of meniscus repair, submeniscal horizontal
sutures, and single vertical loop suturing techniques in meniscus repair. Materials and Methods: An
experimental study was conducted to study 12 ruptured medial meniscuses of bulls, which were
divided into two groups of six meniscuses equally. In this study, submeniscal horizontal and vertical
loop suturing techniques were compared based on their resistance to tensile forces and the stability
of repaired gaps. Results: In this study, submeniscal horizontal and vertical loop knots were
104.3 ± 12.5 N and 110.7 ± 16.4 N, respectively. No significant difference was found between
the two groups. To measure the stability of the gap, 95.4 ± 8.7 N tensile force was applied to
submeniscal and 124.6 ± 11.7 N to vertical loop techniques. There was significantly different in gap
stability between horizontal and vertical loop techniques in meniscal repair (P = 0.02). Conclusion:
The results of this study indicate that knot resistance in submeniscal horizontal is similar to vertical
loop resistance. The stability of the restored gap in vertical loop technique is more than submeniscal
horizontal techniques. Vertical loop causes greater stability against tensile force