Using a simple angiocath instead of scorpion suture passer in transtibial pullout repair of the meniscal root tear

Abstract

Background: Suture pullout during arthroscopic transtibial pullout repair of the meniscal root tear is generally performed using a Scorpion. In this study, we introduce a suture passing technique using a simple angiocath and compare its results with that of a Scorpion. Patients and Methods: In a retrospective series, 28 patients for whom an angiocath was used to pass the suture and 28 group-matched patients for whom a Scorpion was used were included. The outcomes of the patients were evaluated radiologically by assessment of ghost sign, cleft sign, and meniscal extrusion in knee MRI, and clinically by the assessment of the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Lysholm scale, and VAS for pain, which were obtained in the last follow-up. Results: The baseline characteristics of the two groups were not significantly different. After the operation, no patient had a positive ghost or cleft sign. The change of meniscal extrusion was not statistically different between the two groups (P=0.24). At the last follow-up, the mean Lysholm scale was 84.7±7.3 in the case group and 83.7±7.4 in the control group (P=0.61). The mean IKDC score was 84.6±6.8 in the case group and 85.3±4.9 in the control group (P=0.33). The mean VAS for pain was 3.2±0.9 in the case group and 3.3±0.9 in the control group (P=0.44). Conclusion: Using an angiocath to pass the suture in transtibial pullout repair is a cost-effective and efficient substitute for the Scorpion suture passer and could be used alternatively. Level of evidence: Level IV.