Our Summary

This study looked at how having part of the meniscus (a piece of cartilage in the knee) removed might affect recovery after a specific type of knee surgery (double-bundle ACL reconstruction). The researchers looked at 426 cases of this surgery. Some patients had their whole meniscus intact (group A), while others had part of it removed (group B). Then, they looked at how many patients were able to return to sports and running after their surgery, and whether their knee graft failed or not.

They found that 91% of patients could go back to running and 76% could go back to sports after their surgery. It took them about 5.7 months to start running again and 11.1 months to play sports again. However, patients who had part of their meniscus removed (group B) took longer to return to sports than those with their whole meniscus (group A). But, the rate of graft failure wasn’t different between the two groups.

In summary, having part of the meniscus removed can slow down the return to sports after a double-bundle ACL reconstruction, but it doesn’t seem to increase the risk of graft failure. Therefore, patients who have part of their meniscus removed might need more care after their surgery to help them get back to sports.

FAQs

  1. Does having part of the meniscus removed affect the recovery time after a double-bundle ACL reconstruction?
  2. Is there a difference in the rate of graft failure between patients who had part of their meniscus removed and those who had their whole meniscus intact?
  3. Does having part of the meniscus removed impact the ability of patients to return to running and sports following knee surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

Some helpful tips a doctor might give to a patient about meniscectomy are:

  1. Follow your post-operative rehabilitation plan carefully to help speed up your recovery and improve your chances of returning to sports and running.
  2. Listen to your body and don’t push yourself too hard too soon. Gradually increase your activity level as recommended by your healthcare provider.
  3. Consider working with a physical therapist to develop a personalized rehabilitation program that focuses on strengthening the muscles around your knee and improving your range of motion.
  4. Pay attention to any signs of pain, swelling, or instability in your knee and report them to your healthcare provider promptly.
  5. Stay active with low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling to maintain your overall fitness while you recover from surgery.
  6. Remember that every patient is different, so be patient with yourself and trust the process of recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended meniscectomy are those with meniscus tears that are causing significant pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the knee. These tears can be caused by sports injuries, degenerative conditions, or wear and tear over time. Patients who have tried conservative treatments such as physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications without success may be candidates for meniscectomy. Additionally, patients with certain types of meniscus tears, such as complex tears or tears in the avascular zone (where blood supply is limited), may also benefit from surgery to remove the damaged portion of the meniscus.

Timeline

Before meniscectomy:

  1. Patient experiences knee pain, swelling, and limited range of motion.
  2. Patient may undergo physical therapy or other conservative treatments to manage symptoms.
  3. If symptoms persist, patient may be recommended for a meniscectomy surgery.

After meniscectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes meniscectomy surgery to remove part of the meniscus.
  2. Patient will have a recovery period, which may involve pain management, physical therapy, and limited activity.
  3. Patient gradually increases activity level and follows a rehabilitation program to strengthen the knee.
  4. Patient may experience some limitations in returning to sports or high-impact activities, especially if part of the meniscus was removed.
  5. Over time, most patients are able to return to running and sports, although it may take longer for those who had part of their meniscus removed.
  6. The risk of graft failure does not seem to be affected by having part of the meniscus removed.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about meniscectomy include:

  1. What is the purpose of a meniscectomy and why is it recommended for my specific situation?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a meniscectomy?
  3. How will having part of my meniscus removed impact my recovery and ability to return to sports or physical activities?
  4. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that could be considered instead of a meniscectomy?
  5. What is the expected timeline for recovery and when can I expect to return to running and sports after the surgery?
  6. Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after the surgery, and if so, for how long?
  7. What steps can I take to help prevent future knee injuries or problems after a meniscectomy?
  8. Will having part of my meniscus removed increase my risk of developing arthritis in the future?
  9. How often will I need follow-up appointments to monitor my progress after the surgery?
  10. Are there any specific precautions or limitations I should be aware of during the recovery period following a meniscectomy?

Reference

Authors: Akada T, Yamaura I, Gupta A, Sakai H, Takahashi K, Tsuchiya A. Journal: Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2019 Mar;27(3):912-920. doi: 10.1007/s00167-018-5213-y. Epub 2018 Nov 9. PMID: 30413858