Meniscus repair.

The rationale and technique for surgical repair of the meniscus of the knee are presented with a report of the results in ten cases. Contraindications to meniscus reapir include peripheral vascular disease, metabolic disorders disrupting collagen synthesis, renal disease, and "collagen-vascular" disorders. The synovium adjacent to the injured meniscus must be gently handled and preserved. Small caliber sutures should be used and totally buried so that they cannot be come intra-articular wear particles. Other necessary knee surgery can be done at the time of meniscus repair. To prevent dehiscence of the repair site and permit meniscus healing, postoperative immobilization is mandatory. Although a two-year follow-up is described in the present report, it appears that the results of the procedure might be adequately assessed at about six months.