Arthroscopic Meniscectomy

About Arthroscopic Meniscectomy

Arthroscopic meniscectomy removes torn portions of a meniscus, one of the two crescent shaped cartilage pads that cushion and stabilize the knee. Through small portal incisions a camera and miniature instruments are inserted into the joint, and the damaged part of the meniscus is trimmed back to a stable rim, preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. It has been one of the most frequently performed orthopedic procedures. Tears may result from twisting injuries in younger people or from gradual degeneration with age. Clinical trials have found that in middle aged and older patients with degenerative tears, particularly those with knee osteoarthritis, arthroscopic partial meniscectomy often offers little advantage over physical therapy or sham surgery, and guidelines have become more selective about its use. It remains a treatment option for symptomatic tears with mechanical symptoms such as locking. Because the meniscus helps protect joint cartilage, surgeons increasingly attempt meniscus repair rather than removal when the tear pattern and blood supply make healing possible, especially in younger patients.