Our Summary

This research was conducted to examine the long-term effects and success rate of a surgical procedure called arthroscopic partial meniscectomy, which is done to treat a specific type of knee injury (medial meniscus tear with an intact posterior root).

The study looked at the medical records of 165 patients who had this procedure and were followed up for at least five years. The researchers measured and compared the patients’ knee function and x-ray results before and after the operation.

The researchers found that, on average, patients’ knee function improved after the operation. They also found that patients who had less wear and tear on their knee joint before the operation had a higher success rate than those with more severe wear and tear.

The study also revealed that patients whose knee joint space had narrowed by just 1 mm before the operation had a 37.7% higher risk of the treatment failing. Similarly, those with high wear and tear on their knee joint had a higher failure rate compared to those with low wear and tear.

In conclusion, the research suggested that arthroscopic partial meniscectomy can effectively relieve pain and improve function in patients with a specific type of knee injury. However, the patients with less joint space narrowing and knee joint wear and tear before the operation had better outcomes. This indicates that this procedure might be most effective for patients with this specific knee injury but without severe joint space narrowing and wear and tear.

FAQs

  1. What is an arthroscopic partial meniscectomy?
  2. How does the severity of wear and tear on the knee joint affect the success rate of the procedure?
  3. What factors increase the risk of the treatment failing?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about meniscectomy is to make sure to follow the post-operative rehabilitation plan provided by your healthcare team. This may include physical therapy exercises to help strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve range of motion. Adhering to this plan can help optimize your recovery and improve your overall outcome after surgery.

Suitable For

Therefore, patients who are typically recommended for a meniscectomy are those with a specific type of knee injury, such as a medial meniscus tear with an intact posterior root, and who have less severe joint space narrowing and wear and tear on their knee joint. These patients are more likely to have a successful outcome from the procedure and experience improvements in their knee function and pain levels. It is important for healthcare providers to carefully assess each patient’s individual condition and factors before recommending a meniscectomy to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Timeline

Before the meniscectomy:

  • Patient experiences knee pain, swelling, and stiffness
  • Patient undergoes physical examination and imaging tests to diagnose the meniscus tear
  • Doctor recommends arthroscopic partial meniscectomy as a treatment option

After the meniscectomy:

  • Patient undergoes the surgical procedure, which involves removing damaged parts of the meniscus
  • Patient may experience pain and swelling in the knee after the surgery
  • Patient undergoes physical therapy to regain strength and range of motion in the knee
  • Follow-up appointments with the doctor to monitor healing and progress
  • Over time, patient experiences improved knee function and reduced pain as the knee heals and strengthens.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What is a meniscectomy and why do I need it?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. What is the success rate of this procedure for patients with my specific type of knee injury?
  4. How long is the recovery process and what can I expect in terms of pain and mobility?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that I should consider before proceeding with surgery?
  6. What type of rehabilitation or physical therapy will I need after the surgery?
  7. Will I need any assistive devices, such as crutches or a knee brace, during the recovery period?
  8. How long will it take before I can return to normal activities, such as work or exercise?
  9. What are the long-term implications of having a meniscectomy, particularly in terms of arthritis or other joint issues?
  10. Are there any specific factors, such as joint space narrowing or wear and tear, that could affect the success of the surgery in my case?

Reference

Authors: Kim JY, Bin SI, Kim JM, Lee BS, Oh SM, Cho WJ, Lee JH. Journal: Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2020 Nov;28(11):3497-3503. doi: 10.1007/s00167-019-05634-9. Epub 2019 Jul 22. PMID: 31332494