Our Summary

This research paper discusses how the treatment of meniscus injuries has evolved. The meniscus is a piece of cartilage in your knee that cushions and stabilizes the joint. Doctors used to commonly treat these injuries by removing parts of the meniscus (partial meniscectomy), but recent studies have shown that it’s better to try and repair the meniscus instead. This has led to an increase in meniscus repair surgeries, particularly among young people.

Despite this shift, almost 95% of meniscus surgeries still involve partial meniscectomy. This is likely due to several reasons, including the fact that up to a quarter of meniscus repairs don’t fully heal. However, as surgical techniques and tools continue to improve, the success rate of meniscus repair is also improving.

The cost of meniscus repair can be a barrier, particularly in poorer countries where health insurance coverage is low and the cost of repair isn’t always covered. However, the researchers believe that every effort should be made to repair the meniscus if there’s a chance it can heal.

FAQs

  1. What is a meniscectomy and how has its use evolved in treating meniscus injuries?
  2. What are the reasons why partial meniscectomy is still commonly used despite the increase in meniscus repair surgeries?
  3. What are some of the challenges faced in poorer countries regarding the cost of meniscus repair?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about meniscectomy is to discuss the possibility of meniscus repair as an alternative to partial meniscectomy. While the success rate may not be 100%, it is important to consider the long-term benefits of preserving as much of the meniscus as possible to maintain knee stability and function. Additionally, patients should be aware of the potential costs associated with meniscus repair and explore options for insurance coverage or financial assistance if needed.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for meniscectomy are those with a torn meniscus that is causing significant pain, swelling, and limited mobility in the knee. Meniscectomy may be recommended for patients who have not responded to conservative treatments such as physical therapy, rest, and anti-inflammatory medications.

Patients who have experienced a traumatic injury to the knee, such as athletes or individuals who participate in sports that involve twisting or pivoting motions, may also be recommended for meniscectomy. Additionally, older patients with degenerative meniscus tears that are causing persistent symptoms may also be candidates for meniscectomy.

Ultimately, the decision to recommend meniscectomy will depend on the severity of the meniscus tear, the patient’s age, activity level, and overall health. It is important for patients to discuss the risks and benefits of meniscectomy with their healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment approach for their individual situation.

Timeline

Before meniscectomy:

  1. Patient experiences knee pain, swelling, and stiffness.
  2. Doctor conducts physical examination and may order imaging tests such as MRI to diagnose the meniscus injury.
  3. Patient may undergo conservative treatments such as rest, ice, physical therapy, and medications to manage symptoms.
  4. If conservative treatments are not effective, doctor may recommend meniscectomy surgery.

After meniscectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes meniscectomy surgery to remove damaged parts of the meniscus.
  2. Recovery period typically involves physical therapy to regain strength and range of motion in the knee.
  3. Patient may experience temporary pain, swelling, and stiffness after surgery.
  4. Full recovery can take several weeks to months, depending on the extent of the surgery and individual healing process.
  5. Long-term effects of meniscectomy may include increased risk of developing arthritis in the affected knee joint.
  6. In some cases, patient may require additional surgeries or treatments to address ongoing knee issues.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications of a meniscectomy surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery time after a meniscectomy surgery?
  3. What are the chances of my meniscus fully healing after a meniscectomy versus a meniscus repair surgery?
  4. Are there any non-surgical options for treating my meniscus injury?
  5. What factors will you consider when determining whether a meniscus repair or meniscectomy is the best option for me?
  6. How many meniscus repair surgeries have you performed? What is your success rate?
  7. Will I need physical therapy after a meniscectomy surgery? If so, for how long?
  8. How soon can I return to my normal activities, such as sports, after a meniscectomy surgery?
  9. What can I do to prevent future meniscus injuries after surgery?
  10. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that could help with my meniscus injury?

Reference

Authors: Jha V. Journal: Arthroscopy. 2025 Jun;41(6):1928-1930. doi: 10.1016/j.arthro.2024.10.006. Epub 2024 Oct 12. PMID: 39401688