Meniscus suture techniques: a comparative biomechanical cadaver study.

The primary stability of four common meniscus suture techniques was tested on human cadaver menisci. The test series was carried out under standard conditions (25 degrees C, 100% air humidity) using the Instron 1122 Tensometer. The tearing stress of different sutures was reproducible in different specimens dependent only on the suture technique. Knot-end techniques gave inferior results (tearing stress, 24 +/- 9 N) compared with arthroscopic techniques using a loop placed on the meniscus surface (tearing stress, 89 +/- 4 N). When an open meniscus repair is performed, a vertical stitching technique (tearing stress, 105 +/- 4 N) should be the preferred method. Horizontal sutures are weaker (tearing stress, 44 +/- 18 N).