Indications and Technique: Radial Lateral Meniscal Repair With Circumferential Fiber Tape Augmentation
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Background: Radial meniscal tears are uniquely challenging because their orientation transects circumferential collagen fibers, thereby disrupting hoop-stress resistance and compromising load transmission. Circumferential compression repair strategies are designed to restore native fiber continuity and more uniformly approximate tear edges. Contemporary approaches may incorporate circumferential capture via all-inside or inside-out techniques, with biologic augmentation to support healing. Indications: Complete or near-complete radial tears of the meniscus at the mid-body or adjacent to the root that disrupt hoop stress transmission. Additional indications include gapping or extrusion at the radial cleft when tissue quality is adequate, and the tear pattern is nondegenerative and noncomplex, supporting meniscal preservation. Technique Description: A patient with acute lateral joint-line pain was found on magnetic resonance imaging and arthroscopy to have an isolated, complete mid-body radial tear of the lateral meniscus. After debridement, circumferential fiber tape augmentation was performed by passing suture tape through the mensicocapsular junction and securing it with transtibial posterior and anterior tibial fixation to recreate a tensionable hoop vector and achieve anatomic side-to-side reduction. The repair was reinforced with inside-out horizontal mattress sutures, and notch microfracture was performed to biologically augment healing. Results: Expected outcomes include a stable, anatomic repair with improved restoration of hoop stresses and reduced gapping/extrusion. Patients typically experience early pain improvement and regain near-full range of motion by 2 to 3 months, with progressive functional recovery. Supporting biomechanical and preclinical data suggest that circumferential augmentation better normalizes contact mechanics and limits extrusion compared with simple repair. Discussion/Conclusion: Circumferential fiber tape augmentation is a viable technique for complete or near-complete radial meniscal tears to better restore hoop stress transmission through uniform, anatomic edge compression. When combined with standard meniscal repair and biologic augmentation, it can provide a stable construct with encouraging early clinical recovery. Further prospective, long-term comparative studies are recommended to define durability, optimal indications, and outcomes compared with conventional radial tear repair techniques. Patient Consent Disclosure Statement: The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.
Source: Video Journal of Sports Medicine
Institution: Rush University
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $900
OpenAlex ID: W7213444613