Management of Meniscal Tears by Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy in Traumatic and Degenerative Cases

Abstract

BACKGROUNDOnce described as "functionless remnants of leg muscle origin" by Bland Sutton, 1897, the menisci are now considered crucial structures of the knee. They are a pair of semilunar fibro cartilaginous structures well recognized to contribute to the maintenance of normal knee function, facilitating joint stability by deepening the tibial articulation for convex femoral surface, protection of articular cartilage by load distribution and shock absorption, improving mobility and joint lubrication with smooth low friction gliding surface and resilient to compression. MATERIALS AND METHODSProspective analysis of data in patients who underwent surgery for meniscal tear in single centre by a single surgeon. RESULTSThis prospective series consisted of 20 (18 male, 2 female) patients. No patient loss occurred during follow-up in this series. The average age at the time of meniscal repair was 36 years (range, 15-60 years). The average follow-up period was 6 months. Seven (35%) meniscal tears were rated acute (injury-to-surgery interval <2 months), and 13 (65%) tears were rated chronic (injury-to surgery interval >2 months). There were 10 (50%) isolated meniscal tears, and 10 (50%) tears were combined with arthroscopic ACL reconstruction. In total 20 patients (36 menisci repaired) most of the tears occurred in white-white zone.