Posterior meniscal root repair: a biomechanical comparison between human and porcine menisci

Background. The aim of the present study was to compare the biomechanical characteristics of posterior meniscal root repair of porcine and human menisci. Methods. In vitro biomechanical testing was performed using 12 porcine menisci and 12 human menisci. All menisci were sectioned at the midpoint of their circumference and mounted on an electro-mechanic testing machine. The posterior root was sutured with three single stitches using a no. 2 non-absorbable suture. All specimens were subjected to cyclic axial loading followed by load-to-failure testing. Displacements were recorded at the conclusion of cycles 1, 100, 500 and 1000. Further, load-displacement curves of each specimen were recorded and analyzed to determine the cyclic stiffness at the 500th and 1000th cycle. Results. A higher elongation of the human specimens was observed after 1, 100, 500 and 1000 loading cycles, when it was compared to porcine specimens (p < 0.05). The total displacement amount of the porcine specimens at the 1000th cycle was 2.2 mm +/- 0.1. Similarly, the total displacement amount of the human specimens at the 1000th cycle was 3 mm +/- 0.5. Higher stiffness was observed in the porcine group at the 500th and 1000th cycle. Conclusion. Three single sutures technique for meniscal root repair appears to be biomechanically effective for both human and porcine menisci.