The primary stability of four common meniscus suture techniques was tested on human cadaver menisci. The test series was carried out under standard conditions (25 degrees C, 100% air humidity) using the Instron 1122 Tensometer. The tearing stress of different sutures was reproducible in different specimens dependent only on the suture technique. Knot-end techniques gave inferior results (tearing stress, 24 +/- 9 N) compared with arthroscopic techniques using a loop placed on the meniscus surface (tearing stress, 89 +/- 4 N). When an open meniscus repair is performed, a vertical stitching technique (tearing stress, 105 +/- 4 N) should be the preferred method. Horizontal sutures are weaker (tearing stress, 44 +/- 18 N).