Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To explore the therapeutic effect of using Fast Fix suture device combined with suture hook technique by arthroscopy to all-inside suture the tear of the lateral meniscus within the popliteal hiatus area. METHOD: Seventy-two patients with the tear of the lateral meniscus within the popliteal hiatus area were selected and divided into three groups: a Combined Group (n = 24) treated with Fast Fix and suture hook, a Fast-Fix Group (n = 24), and a Suture Hook Group (n = 24). All patients had longitudinal tears located in the red and red-white zone. All patients received arthroscopic all-inside suture in the red and red-white zones of the meniscus with no complex tears or defects. Knee function was evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively using the Lysholm score and knee flexion-extension range of motion (ROM). MRI images were collected at least six months post-operation to assess meniscus healing. Follow-up was conducted at 3, 6, and 12 months, with no major complications such as infection or secondary trauma, and good patient compliance. RESULT: At 6 months and 12 months post-operation, the patients in the Combined Group showed significant improvements in both Lysholm scores and ROM (P < 0.05), demonstrating the positive therapeutic effects of the combined treatment. The Lysholm score increased from 53.71 ± 11.37 points preoperatively to 70.63 ± 8.47 points at 6 months (P < 0.05) and 81.04 ± 13.08 points at 12 months (P < 0.05). The ROM improved from 103.58° ± 10.75° preoperatively to 123° ± 9.15° at 6 months (P < 0.05) and 125.13° ± 7.49° at 12 months (P < 0.05). MRI results confirmed good healing of the meniscus after more than six months, further supporting the effectiveness of the procedure. Compared with the other two surgical technique, the combined technique yielded significantly better functional recovery and structural healing than either technique alone (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The combination of the Fast Fix meniscus suturing device and suture hook technology provides a safe, stable, and effective method for the arthroscopic repair of lateral meniscus tears. This technique demonstrates significant clinical benefits in terms of knee function recovery, meniscus healing, and patient satisfaction. We recommend wider clinical adoption of this combined technique for improved outcomes in meniscus repair.