Long-term outcome after all inside meniscal repair using the FasT-Fix system

Purpose: Meniscal surgery is one of the most performed orthopaedic procedures. Because of its chondroprotective properties, meniscal repair should be attempted whenever possible. Several techniques are described in literature, e.g. all-inside repair using FasT-Fix System from Smith & Nephew. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome at a minimum of 12 years following meniscal repair using FasT-Fix System. Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent meniscal repair using FasT-Fix System in the time from 2001 to 2003 were analyzed. We included isolated meniscal tears and combined tears with a concomitant ACL rupture. A median 12-year follow-up was conducted in 2015. Failure was defined as a new surgical procedure to the same meniscus. Moreover, functional outcome was evaluated using the KOOS and tegner activity score (TAS). Results: At follow-up 27% had undergone further surgery to the repaired meniscus. There was no significant difference between isolated and combined group (p = 0.582). The failure rate was significantly higher in females (female 48% versus male 15%; p = 0.005). Comparing sports there was a significantly higher failure rate within soccer and indoor sports group (p = 0.002). Comparing isolated and combined injury groups there was no difference in the TAS (p > 0.05). Only 1 item of KOOS showed no significant difference: 95.33 versus 94.48 for daily life activities (p > 0.05). The other items showed significant differences. 49 out of 51 patients with combined injuries suffered an additional ACL rupture. There was no significant difference regarding the meniscal repair failure rate when comparing the groups of simultaneous and delayed ACL repair (p = 0.521). Conclusions: At 12 years' follow-up 73% had a successful surgery. KOOS was significantly better within isolated meniscus tears. Both groups showed no difference in the TAS. There were no differences regarding failure rate in the comparison of simultaneous or delayed ACL-reconstruction.