Repairing Posterior Meniscal Roots with an Epidural Needle
Author Information
Author(s): Nakahashi Eiji Rafael, Lemes Igor Leal Clemente, Albano Mauro Batista, Stieven Filho Edmar, Namba Mario Massatomo, Nunes Carolline Popovicz
Primary Institution: Grupo de Cirurgia do Joelho e Trauma do Esporte, Complexo Hospital do Trabalhador, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brasil
Hypothesis
Can a low-cost technique using an epidural needle improve the success rate of posterior meniscal root repairs in low-resource settings?
Conclusion
The technique combining anterior portals and a transtibial tunnel with an epidural needle is effective and cost-efficient for repairing posterior meniscal roots.
Supporting Evidence
- The technique was performed on twelve patients with satisfactory progress during the 12-month follow-up.
- Nine repairs were on the medial meniscus and three on the lateral meniscus.
- No re-approach was necessary during the follow-up period.
Takeaway
Doctors can fix a part of the knee called the meniscus using a special needle and some simple tools, which helps save money and works well even in places with fewer resources.
Methodology
The study describes a surgical technique for repairing posterior meniscal roots using an epidural needle and anterior arthroscopic portals.
Potential Biases
The technique requires surgical experience, which may introduce variability in outcomes based on the surgeon's skill.
Limitations
No assessment score was used during the follow-up period, and further studies are needed to evaluate long-term outcomes.
Participant Demographics
Patients undergoing posterior meniscal root repair, with no specific demographic details provided.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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