The outside-in technique refers to meniscus repair where a needle is introduced into the knee from the skin through the two adjacent parts of torn meniscus, under arthroscopic visual control.

outside-in mattress sutures
A row of mattress sutures using a looped thread to pull the other one through both sides of the defect. The knot is tied outside the capsule.

 

Indications for outside-in repair

The surgeon may choose to tie a knot ('mulberry knot') from inside pulling the torn bits together or a 'vertical mattress' suture can be used which is a bit more challenging. The procedure is particularly used for tears of the anterior horn of the meniscus, as well as suturing a meniscus allograft or implant. It avoids the risk of nerve damage and also avoids a large skin incision.

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Dr Sheila Strover (Editor)
BSc (Hons), MB BCh, MBA

See biography...