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Dr. Garcia’s - Anterior Meniscal Root Repair Technique
Dr. Garcia specializes in complex knee, shoulder and elbow sports surgeries. He has prepared a number of surgical videos below to help patients better understand their procedures. He is frequently updating his surgical video database so check back soon for further updates.
In this video, Dr. Grant H. Garcia demonstrates a repair technique for a more unique pathology: a radial tear right off the attachment site of the anterior lateral meniscal root.
The procedure follows these precise steps:
- Initial Evaluation & Preparation: Upon arthroscopic visualization through the lateral portal, the radial tear at the root attachment is identified. Finding that the tissue has decent mobility, Dr. Garcia decides to proceed with a repair. A Passport cannula is placed to preserve the workspace and prevent any suture bridging or tangling.
- Suture Passing: Because passing sutures on the anterior portion of the meniscus can be highly challenging, a far medial portal is established. Using an extreme-curve (EC) Scorpion device, a secure cinch stitch is placed through the meniscal tissue.
- Footprint Preparation: The native root attachment footprint on the bone is meticulously shaved and prepared to promote direct, robust healing of the soft tissue to the bone.
- Onlay Fixation & Tensioning: To keep sutures from interfering with the healing interface, Dr. Garcia employs an "onlay" technique. A guide instrument helps determine the exact placement location. A bone punch is utilized, followed by the insertion of a 4.75 mm SwivelLock anchor.
- Final Reduction: As the SwivelLock anchor is sequentially tightened and driven down, it pulls the meniscal root flat against its prepared bony footprint. The final view reveals an anatomical reduction, with the anterior lateral root successfully compressed back to its original attachment site.
