Our Summary

The research paper is a review of studies conducted in the past decade about meniscectomy (a surgery to remove the meniscus, a part of the knee) in sheep and how it leads to osteoarthritis (OA), a joint disease. The researchers looked at 25 studies that were conducted using various techniques of meniscectomy. They found that a specific type of this surgery, unilateral total medial meniscectomy, caused more changes in the cartilage and bone than the others. The studies used different methods to measure the degree of OA, including visual assessments, tissue analysis, x-rays, and biochemical tests. They also looked at various treatments, with a particular focus on ‘scaffolds’, which are structures used to support tissue growth, sometimes with the help of stem cells. The paper concludes that for developing treatments for OA, large animal models like sheep are necessary because their joints are similar to humans. The paper also provides a guide for future studies on OA that occurs after trauma.

FAQs

  1. What is a meniscectomy and how is it related to osteoarthritis?
  2. What type of meniscectomy was found to cause more changes in the cartilage and bone?
  3. What methods are used to measure the degree of osteoarthritis in the studies reviewed?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about meniscectomy is to follow the post-operative rehabilitation plan carefully. This may include physical therapy exercises to strengthen the surrounding muscles, improve range of motion, and reduce swelling. It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions to ensure proper healing and prevent complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended meniscectomy are those who have experienced a meniscus tear that is causing significant pain, swelling, and limited mobility in the knee joint. Meniscectomy is often recommended when conservative treatments such as physical therapy and pain medication have not been successful in relieving symptoms. Additionally, patients who have a complex tear or a tear in the inner two-thirds of the meniscus may also be candidates for meniscectomy. It is important for patients to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if meniscectomy is the right treatment option for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before meniscectomy:

  • Patient experiences knee pain, swelling, and instability
  • Doctor performs physical examination and orders imaging tests such as MRI to confirm diagnosis
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative consultations and preparation for surgery

After meniscectomy:

  • Patient undergoes surgery to remove the damaged meniscus
  • Post-operative care includes pain management, physical therapy, and follow-up appointments with the doctor
  • Patient experiences initial relief from symptoms but may still have some knee pain and stiffness
  • Over time, patient may develop osteoarthritis in the affected knee joint, leading to progressive joint degeneration and potential need for further treatments such as joint replacement surgery

Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after meniscectomy involves initial symptoms, diagnosis, surgery, post-operative care, and long-term management of potential complications such as osteoarthritis.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with meniscectomy surgery?
  2. What is the expected recovery time after meniscectomy surgery?
  3. Will I need physical therapy after the surgery, and if so, for how long?
  4. What are the long-term effects of meniscectomy on the knee joint, especially in terms of developing osteoarthritis?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that could be considered instead of or in addition to meniscectomy?
  6. How will my knee function be affected after the meniscectomy surgery?
  7. Will I need to make any lifestyle or activity modifications after the surgery to protect my knee joint?
  8. How often will I need follow-up appointments after the surgery, and what will be monitored during these appointments?
  9. Are there any specific exercises or activities that I should avoid after the surgery to prevent further damage to my knee joint?
  10. What are the expectations for pain management and medication after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Veronesi F, Vandenbulcke F, Ashmore K, Di Matteo B, Nicoli Aldini N, Martini L, Fini M, Kon E. Journal: Int Orthop. 2020 Apr;44(4):779-793. doi: 10.1007/s00264-020-04493-1. Epub 2020 Feb 5. PMID: 32025798