Continuous Meniscal Repair Technique Allows for Shorter Operative Time and Learning Curve Compared With Traditional Vertical Mattress Technique in Controlled Arthroscopic Training in Porcine Model

Abstract

Purpose

To compare the amount of time used to perform meniscal suturing on a standardized lesion using either a traditional or continuous arthroscopic suturing technique.

Methods

A preclinical study was carried out with 21 medical doctors who underwent training in the 2 modalities of meniscal repair by arthroscopy in an animal model laboratory. Participants performed both types of sutures with a previously standardized lesion. The execution time of the techniques was measured, and an experienced surgeon evaluated the stability of a meniscal tear after the repair. Data were analyzed using a t test for paired samples to calculate the difference between the execution times of the techniques.

Results

The time required to perform the continuous meniscal suture was shorter than that of the traditional suture. After statistical analysis, the time difference between the techniques was significant (mean difference 4:17 ± 5:30 minutes; 95% confidence interval, 1:46–6:46 minutes). Surgeons took less time than residents for the traditional suture (P = .036), but the times were similar for the continuous suture. This suggests that experience level has a greater effect on the time needed for the traditional suture than for the continuous suture.

Conclusions

The continuous suture technique was performed in a shorter time compared with the traditional suture technique in a porcine model.

Clinical Relevance

The results of this preclinical study suggest that the continuous vertical inside-out meniscal suture technique can enhance surgical procedures for longitudinal tears requiring ≥4 stitches, offering a faster and more intuitive learning curve compared with the traditional inside-out suture technique.