Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy

Abstract

Partial meniscectomy is a reasonable treatment option for appropriately selected patients with meniscal tears. In young patients with unstable or nonviable tears, partial meniscectomy can be effective in relieving mechanical symptoms and the pain. In older patients with degenerative tears, the data is variable as to whether partial meniscectomy is more effective than nonoperative treatments. However, the risks of surgery and arthritic progression and/or conversion to knee arthroplasty is reportedly low. Therefore, meniscectomy should be considered a viable treatment option for patients that have failed nonoperative measures. Technical measures that can improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and prognosis of partial meniscectomy include optimizing the ability to valgus stress the knee with the operative room set up, lengthening of the superficial medial collateral ligament, counseling patients on the risks of extrusion when identified, and performing vertical or horizontal resections (as opposed to subtotal meniscectomy) when possible.