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.
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.