Our Summary

This research paper is a review of 20 studies (involving 31,783 patients) comparing two different surgical treatments for torn knee cartilage (the meniscus): repair and resection (removal of the damaged part). The study found that patients who had the repair surgery were less likely to develop severe knee arthritis (osteoarthritis) after around six years. However, they did not find any significant differences between the two groups in terms of patient-reported outcomes, the width of the space in the knee joint, or the failure rate of the surgery. The study supports the use of meniscus repair surgery to prevent severe knee arthritis in the future.

FAQs

  1. What treatments for torn knee cartilage were compared in these studies?
  2. What are the potential benefits of meniscus repair surgery compared to resection, according to this study?
  3. Did the study find any significant differences in patient-reported outcomes, joint space width or surgery failure rates between the two types of surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about meniscectomy is to follow a comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation program. This may include physical therapy exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve range of motion, and restore function. Adhering to this program can help optimize recovery, reduce pain, and improve overall outcomes following meniscus surgery. It is important to follow the guidance of your healthcare team to ensure the best possible results.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for meniscectomy (removal of the damaged part of the meniscus) include those with:

  1. A torn meniscus that does not respond to conservative treatment such as rest, physical therapy, and medication.
  2. A large tear in the meniscus that is causing significant pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the knee.
  3. A meniscus tear that is causing mechanical symptoms such as catching, locking, or giving way of the knee.
  4. Younger patients with a healthy and stable knee joint, as they may benefit from preserving as much of the meniscus as possible to prevent future knee problems.
  5. Patients who have a meniscus tear in a location that is amenable to repair rather than resection, as repair surgery may lead to better long-term outcomes and lower risk of developing severe knee arthritis.
  6. Patients who have a meniscus tear in conjunction with other knee injuries, such as ligament tears, that may benefit from surgical intervention to restore stability and function to the knee joint.

Timeline

Before meniscectomy:

  1. Patient experiences knee pain, swelling, and limited range of motion.
  2. Patient consults with a doctor who recommends imaging tests such as MRI to diagnose the torn meniscus.
  3. Doctor suggests conservative treatments such as rest, ice, compression, and physical therapy.
  4. If conservative treatments do not provide relief, doctor may recommend meniscectomy surgery.

After meniscectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes meniscectomy surgery to remove the damaged part of the meniscus.
  2. Patient experiences post-operative pain, swelling, and stiffness.
  3. Patient undergoes rehabilitation and physical therapy to regain strength and range of motion in the knee.
  4. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and sports with guidance from the medical team.
  5. Long-term follow-up to monitor for any complications or development of osteoarthritis.
  6. Studies suggest that patients who undergo meniscus repair surgery may have a lower risk of developing severe knee arthritis in the future.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a meniscectomy surgery?

  2. How long is the recovery process after a meniscectomy surgery and what can I expect in terms of pain and physical therapy?

  3. What are the chances of the torn meniscus healing on its own without the need for surgery?

  4. Are there any alternative treatments or non-surgical options for a torn meniscus that I should consider before opting for surgery?

  5. How soon can I return to my normal activities, including work, exercise, and sports, after a meniscectomy surgery?

  6. Will I require any follow-up appointments or ongoing care after the surgery to monitor my knee health?

  7. How likely am I to develop knee arthritis in the future if I undergo a meniscectomy surgery versus a meniscus repair surgery?

  8. What are the long-term implications of choosing a meniscectomy over a meniscus repair in terms of knee function and overall joint health?

  9. Can you provide me with information on the success rates of meniscectomy surgeries and any factors that may impact the outcome of the procedure?

  10. How experienced are you in performing meniscectomy surgeries and what is your approach to post-operative care and rehabilitation for patients undergoing this procedure?

Reference

Authors: Migliorini F, Schäfer L, Bell A, Weber CD, Vecchio G, Maffulli N. Journal: Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2023 Dec;31(12):5485-5495. doi: 10.1007/s00167-023-07600-y. Epub 2023 Oct 9. PMID: 37812251