Our Summary

This research paper indicates that patients tend to have better outcomes after having their meniscus (a piece of cartilage in the knee) repaired rather than removed. While repairing the meniscus can be difficult and is not always successful, it is generally the better option for long-term patient health. Despite this, the majority of meniscal procedures involve partially removing the meniscus. However, as surgical techniques improve and the importance of repair is increasingly understood, more meniscal repairs are being performed. The paper emphasizes the importance of preserving as much of the meniscus as possible during these procedures.

FAQs

  1. What does the research paper say about the long-term health benefits of repairing versus removing the meniscus?
  2. Why do the majority of meniscal procedures involve partial removal of the meniscus, despite evidence suggesting repair is the better option?
  3. How has the increase in understanding the importance of meniscal repair influenced surgical techniques?

Doctor’s Tip

Tip: After a meniscectomy, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions for rehabilitation and physical therapy to help strengthen the surrounding muscles and prevent further knee issues. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding activities that put excessive strain on the knee can help prevent future injuries.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for a meniscectomy are those with severe tears in the meniscus that cannot be repaired, such as complex tears, large tears, or tears in the avascular zone where blood supply is poor. Patients who have chronic pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the knee due to a meniscus tear may also be recommended for a meniscectomy. Additionally, patients who have failed conservative treatments such as physical therapy and corticosteroid injections may be candidates for a meniscectomy.

It is important for patients to discuss their treatment options with their healthcare provider and to consider the potential risks and benefits of a meniscectomy before making a decision. In some cases, a meniscectomy may be the best option for relieving pain and improving function in the knee, but it is important to consider the long-term implications of removing a portion of the meniscus. Patients should also be aware that meniscectomy may increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis in the affected knee in the future.

Timeline

Before meniscectomy:

  1. Patient experiences knee pain, swelling, and limited range of motion.
  2. Patient undergoes physical examination, imaging tests (such as MRI), and possibly a trial of conservative treatments like physical therapy or corticosteroid injections.
  3. Orthopedic surgeon recommends meniscectomy if conservative treatments are ineffective and the tear is deemed irreparable.

After meniscectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes arthroscopic surgery to remove the damaged portion of the meniscus.
  2. Patient may experience pain, swelling, and stiffness in the knee post-surgery.
  3. Patient undergoes rehabilitation, including physical therapy, to regain strength and range of motion in the knee.
  4. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and sports, with the possibility of long-term changes in knee function and increased risk of osteoarthritis.
  5. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing and address any complications or concerns.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What are the potential risks and benefits of having a meniscectomy?
  2. Are there any alternative treatments to meniscectomy that I should consider?
  3. What is the likelihood of needing additional surgery in the future if I have a meniscectomy?
  4. How long is the recovery process after a meniscectomy and what can I expect during this time?
  5. Will I need physical therapy after the surgery and how long will it be necessary?
  6. What are the long-term implications of having a meniscectomy on my knee health?
  7. Are there any specific factors about my knee injury that make me a better candidate for meniscal repair instead of removal?
  8. How experienced are you in performing meniscal repairs and what is your success rate?
  9. Can you explain the procedure in detail and what I can expect during and after the surgery?
  10. What steps can I take to help prevent further knee injuries in the future after having a meniscectomy?

Reference

Authors: DeFroda S. Journal: Arthroscopy. 2022 Oct;38(10):2884-2886. doi: 10.1016/j.arthro.2022.06.020. PMID: 36192048