The 11-8 Suture Technique for Lateral Meniscal Radial Tear Repair: Detailed Description of the Surgical Approach

Radial tears of the meniscus can lead to cartilage degeneration and meniscal osteoarthritis if left untreated or treated with meniscectomy. Therefore, repair techniques are increasingly used. We describe a method called the "11-8 suture" technique for the repair of lateral meniscal radial tears in the middle to posterior segments, which preserves meniscal mobility and provides robust suturing. First, vertical sutures are placed at both ends of the tear. Next, the torn edges are approximated using a single thread in a figure-of-8 pattern encompassing the vertical sutures. This technique offers strong initial fixation and preserves the mobility of the lateral meniscus, making it a beneficial suturing method.