Our Summary

This research paper is about a study that was carried out to compare the success rates of two types of surgeries used to treat discoid lateral meniscus (DLM), a condition in the knee. The two types of surgeries are partial and total meniscectomy, where either part of or the entire “meniscus” (a piece of cartilage in the knee) is removed.

To find out which surgery is more effective, the researchers looked at the results of several other studies. They considered different factors such as the type of DLM, the age of the patient, and how long the patient was monitored after the surgery.

The researchers found that 85.5% of the time, patients had good or excellent results from these surgeries. They also found that patients who had only part of their meniscus removed (partial meniscectomy) generally had better outcomes than those who had the whole thing removed (total meniscectomy). Additionally, they discovered that patients under 20 years old tended to have better results than older patients.

However, they also noted that the success rate seemed to decrease over time. In other words, the longer the follow-up period after the surgery, the less likely patients were to still be experiencing good results.

In conclusion, this study suggests that for patients with DLM, having only part of the meniscus removed can lead to better outcomes than having it all removed. However, more research may be needed to understand why the success rate decreases over time.

FAQs

  1. What are the most common treatments for patients with discoid lateral meniscus (DLM)?
  2. How do the outcomes of partial and total meniscectomies for DLM compare?
  3. Does the age of the patient affect the outcome of meniscectomy for DLM?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about meniscectomy is to follow a comprehensive rehabilitation program after surgery to optimize recovery and improve outcomes. This program may include physical therapy, strengthening exercises, and gradually increasing activity levels to regain strength and range of motion in the affected knee. It is important to follow the guidance of healthcare professionals and adhere to the rehabilitation plan to ensure the best possible outcome after meniscectomy.

Suitable For

Patients with discoid lateral meniscus (DLM) are typically recommended meniscectomy, with partial meniscectomy being the preferred option over total meniscectomy. Additionally, patients younger than 20 years tend to have better outcomes compared to older patients. It is important to consider the duration of follow-up, as the E or G rate may decrease over time. Overall, partial meniscectomy is shown to achieve better outcomes for DLM patients compared to total meniscectomy.

Timeline

Before meniscectomy:

  • Patient experiences knee pain, swelling, and limited range of motion
  • Patient may undergo diagnostic tests such as MRI to confirm a meniscus tear
  • Patient may try conservative treatments such as rest, ice, physical therapy, and pain medication

After meniscectomy:

  • Patient undergoes surgery to remove part or all of the damaged meniscus
  • Patient undergoes rehabilitation and physical therapy to regain strength and range of motion in the knee
  • Patient may experience temporary pain and swelling after surgery
  • Over time, patient should experience improvement in knee function and reduction in pain

Overall, the goal of meniscectomy is to alleviate pain and improve knee function for the patient.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with meniscectomy?
  2. How long is the recovery period after a meniscectomy?
  3. What type of rehabilitation or physical therapy will be recommended after the procedure?
  4. Will I be able to return to my previous level of physical activity after a meniscectomy?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments to consider before deciding on a meniscectomy?
  6. How will a partial meniscectomy differ from a total meniscectomy in terms of outcomes and recovery?
  7. What is the success rate of meniscectomy in patients with discoid lateral meniscus?
  8. How long do the effects of a meniscectomy typically last?
  9. Are there any long-term consequences or risks associated with undergoing a meniscectomy?
  10. How often will follow-up appointments be needed after a meniscectomy?

Reference

Authors: Dai WL, Zhang H, Zhou AG, Zhang G, Zhang J. Journal: J Knee Surg. 2017 Nov;30(9):854-862. doi: 10.1055/s-0036-1598021. Epub 2017 Jan 23. PMID: 28114702