J Korean Orthop Assoc.  2009 Jun;44(3):329-335. 10.4055/jkoa.2009.44.3.329.

Clinical Results of the Accelerated Rehabilitation Program after Meniscal Repair using the RapidLoc Device

• Song YJ
• Ha CW

• KMID: 2186341
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4055/jkoa.2009.44.3.329

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical results of the accelerated rehabilitation program after performing meniscal repair using the RapidLoc device, and we wanted to investigate the incidence of complications related to using the RapidLoc device together with the accelerated rehabilitation program.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We performed a retrospective review of a consecutive series of meniscal repairs that were done by single surgeon with using the RapidLoc meniscal repair device. An accelerated postoperative rehabilitation program followed, and this was independent of whether anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery was also performed. The Lysholm and IKDC (International Knee Documentation Committee) activity scores, the clinical examination findings and the adverse events were recorded for all the patients. In addition, using Barrett's criteria, a repaired meniscus was considered healed if there was no joint line tenderness, effusion or a negative McMurray's test at the latest follow-up.
RESULTS
At follow-up, the mean IKDC activity score was 3.38 (1.75 preoperatively), the Lysholm score was 91.8 (48.7 preoperatively). Clinical success occurred for 30 repairs (93.7%) at the time of the last follow-up. Two patient had tenderness on joint line palpation and intermittent effusion, so theses repair were considered failure according to our criteria. There was no specific complication related to the RapidLoc device.
CONCLUSION
Our results show that accelerated rehabilitation program after arthroscopic meniscal repair with using the RapidLoc device provided a high rate of clinical meniscus healing and this appeared to be safe and effective.

Keyword

Meniscus repair; All-inside technique; RapidLoc device

MeSH Terms

Anterior Cruciate Ligament
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Incidence
Joints
Knee
Palpation
Retrospective Studies

Figure

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  Fig. 1 The RapidLoc device is composed of 3 elements: the "Top-hat", the suture which has a sliding knot, and the "Backstop".

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  Fig. 2 (A) Penetrate the meniscus with the delivery needle until abuts the meniscus. (B) Pull the trigger mechanism to deliver the "Backstop" to the periphery of the meniscus. (C) Withdraw the needle and then pull on the suture limb and advance the slinding knot and the "Top-hat" to the meniscal tissue using knot pusher. (D) Adjust the tension and then cut the free end of the suture.

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