Our Summary

This research studied the best treatment for a specific type of knee injury (medial meniscus posterior root tear). The two methods compared were a type of knee surgery (arthroscopic meniscectomy) and non-surgical treatment (conservative treatment). The study found that both methods improved the patient’s condition significantly. However, patients who underwent surgery had a higher rate of developing osteoarthritis, a type of joint disease. Therefore, the study concludes that surgery doesn’t have any significant advantage over non-surgical treatment for this type of knee injury.

FAQs

  1. What is a medial meniscus posterior root tear and how is it treated?
  2. What are the potential risks associated with arthroscopic meniscectomy for treating a medial meniscus posterior root tear?
  3. Is non-surgical treatment (conservative treatment) as effective as surgery for a medial meniscus posterior root tear?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might advise a patient considering meniscectomy surgery to carefully weigh the potential risks, including the development of osteoarthritis, before making a decision. They may also suggest exploring non-surgical treatment options first to see if they are effective in improving the patient’s condition. Additionally, the doctor may recommend discussing the findings of this study with their healthcare provider to make an informed decision about their treatment plan.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for meniscectomy are those who have a meniscus tear that is causing symptoms such as pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the knee. Meniscectomy may be recommended for patients who have not responded to conservative treatments such as rest, physical therapy, and medication. Additionally, patients who have a large or complex tear in the meniscus may also be recommended for surgery. However, as evidenced by the research study mentioned above, the decision to undergo meniscectomy should be carefully considered, as surgery may not always provide significant advantages over non-surgical treatment.

Timeline

Before meniscectomy:

  1. Patient experiences knee pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the affected knee.
  2. Patient undergoes physical examination, imaging tests (such as MRI), and possibly conservative treatments like rest, ice, physical therapy, and medications.

After meniscectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes arthroscopic meniscectomy surgery to remove the damaged portion of the meniscus.
  2. Patient undergoes post-operative rehabilitation and physical therapy to regain strength and mobility in the knee.
  3. Patient may experience some pain, swelling, and stiffness in the knee after surgery.
  4. Patient gradually returns to normal activities and sports, with gradual improvement in knee function over time.
  5. Patient may be at a higher risk for developing osteoarthritis in the affected knee in the long term.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a meniscectomy?
  2. How long is the recovery period after a meniscectomy surgery?
  3. What are the success rates of meniscectomy surgery for treating my specific type of knee injury?
  4. Are there alternative treatment options to consider before undergoing surgery, such as physical therapy or injections?
  5. Will I need to undergo physical therapy after the surgery, and if so, how long will it last?
  6. How soon can I return to my normal activities, such as walking, running, and sports, after a meniscectomy?
  7. What can I do to reduce my risk of developing osteoarthritis after undergoing a meniscectomy?
  8. How often will I need to follow up with you after the surgery to monitor my recovery progress?
  9. Are there any long-term effects or considerations I should be aware of after having a meniscectomy?
  10. Can you provide me with information or resources to help me make an informed decision about whether to undergo a meniscectomy or pursue non-surgical treatment for my knee injury?

Reference

Authors: Lee NH, Seo HY, Sung MJ, Na BR, Song EK, Seon JK. Journal: BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2021 Aug 28;22(1):742. doi: 10.1186/s12891-021-04632-8. PMID: 34454447