Meniscus Surgery

• Meniscal injuries: surgical management - Partial meniscectomy:

  • +:
  • Quick to recover
  • Can relieve pain and mechanical symptoms
  • -:
  • Similar outcomes to no surgery at 1 year
  • Loss of meniscal tissue may increase long term OA risk

  
• Meniscal injuries: surgical management - Repair with sutures:

  • +:
  • May reduce development of OA
  • Can relieve pain and mechanical symptoms
  • -:
  • Requires 6 + weeks non-weightbearing post operation
  • Can’t repair all tears and some repairs will fail

  
• Meniscal injuries: surgical management

  • At 2 years, no difference between partial meniscectomy and sham (placebo) surgery for degenerative meniscal tears
  • Meniscal tears can occur without trauma and be asymptomatic - can be considered a sign of aging