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Endoscopic partial and total meniscectomy. A comparative study with a short term follow up
Abstract:
The results of partial endoscopic meniscectomy in 89 patients were compared with the results of total endoscopic meniscectomy in 78 patients. Total meniscectomy was the more time consuming and there were intraoperative technical problems in 16 patients, the most common being rupture of the meniscus during extraction. All complications were, however, successfully handled and did not affect the end result. There were nine reoperations after partial and only one after total meniscectomy. The patients were followed up on the average 16 months after operation with a special knee function questionnaire. There was no difference between the groups in score distribution, indicating similar knee function. However, patients in the total meniscectomy group with a follow up longer than 1 year had significantly higher scores than those with a shorter follow up. No such difference was noted in the partial group, possibly indicating that the final level of knee function is reached earlier after partial than after total meniscectomy.
Insights
Partial and total endoscopic meniscectomy showed similar knee function outcomes. However, total meniscectomy patients with longer follow-up reported better knee function, suggesting a longer recovery period for total meniscectomy.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Sports Medicine
- Knee Arthroscopy
Background:
- Meniscal tears are common knee injuries.
- Endoscopic meniscectomy is a standard surgical treatment.
- Partial and total meniscectomy are two surgical approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the outcomes of partial versus total endoscopic meniscectomy.
- To evaluate knee function and complication rates between the two procedures.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective comparison of 89 patients undergoing partial meniscectomy and 78 patients undergoing total meniscectomy.
- Follow-up averaged 16 months using a knee function questionnaire.
- Analysis of operative time, intraoperative complications, and reoperation rates.
Main Results:
- Total meniscectomy was more time-consuming with higher intraoperative technical problems.
- Reoperation rates were higher after partial meniscectomy (9) compared to total meniscectomy (1).
- No significant difference in overall knee function scores between the groups was observed.
Conclusions:
- Both partial and total endoscopic meniscectomy yield similar knee function in the medium term.
- Patients undergoing total meniscectomy may experience continued improvement in knee function for over a year post-surgery.
- Partial meniscectomy may lead to earlier achievement of final knee function levels.