Outside-In Meniscus Repair: The Last 25 Years

Abstract

Recent advances in our understanding of knee biomechanics and load transmission have emphasized the need for meniscus preservation. However, the literature suggests that more needs to be done. The outside-in arthroscopic meniscus repair was first described by Warren in 1985. Despite the popularity of new all-inside meniscus repair devices, the outside-in meniscus repair technique is still used by many surgeons to preserve the meniscus. During the last 26 years, this technique has evolved and modified. However, its basic principles as being a minimally invasive, simple, and inexpensive meniscus repair technique have not changed. The results of outside-in meniscus repair have also stood the test of time, yielding healing rates and functional scores comparable to those of other meniscus repair techniques.