The Effect and Long-term Prognosis of Different Suturing Methods for Meniscus Repair Under Knee Arthroscopy

Abstract

AIM: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and long-term prognosis of all-inside and outside-in suturing methods for meniscus repair under knee arthroscopy.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 120 patients with meniscus injuries who underwent surgical treatment at Yuhuan People's Hospital, Department of Joint Surgery, from January 2019 to March 2021. Based on the suturing method, patients were assigned into two groups: Group A (64 cases, all-inside suturing) and Group B (56 cases, outside-in suturing). Surgical indicators and adverse events were recorded for both cohorts. The variances in proprioception before and after surgery, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores, Lysholm scores, knee range of motion (ROM), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain scores were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS: Group A had significantly shorter operative time, postoperative immobilization, and hospital stay compared to Group B (p < 0.05). The overall incidence of adverse events was 12.50% in Group A and 16.07% in Group B, with no significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05). There were no substantial differences in preoperative knee proprioception difference values, IKDC scores, Lysholm scores, VAS scores, and knee ROM between the two groups (p > 0.05). At three months postoperatively, Group A exhibited lower proprioception difference values at 15°C, 45°C, and 75°C angles compared to Group B (p < 0.05). Additionally, at three months and three years postoperatively, Group A showed higher IKDC scores, Lysholm scores, and ROM and lower VAS scores compared to Group B (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the outside-in suturing approach, the all-inside suturing method for treating meniscus damage is more effective. It attenuates operative time, postoperative immobilization time, and hospital stay, ameliorates knee proprioception, promotes knee function recovery, alleviates pain, and is safe and reliable.