title: Arthroscopic partial medial meniscectomy: an analysis of unsatisfactory results.
abstract: Results of 150 arthroscopic partial medial meniscectomies were analyzed by computer to identify the factors that lead to an unsatisfactory (fair or poor) outcome. The average follow-up for the group was 36 months (range 24-60 months). One-hundred ten men and 40 women were involved, with an average age of 48 years. The overall results were 58% excellent-good, 28% fair, and 14% poor. Most tears involved the posterior horn (76%). Bucket-handle, longitudinal, and flap tears were rated 88% excellent-good, whereas horizontal cleavage and degenerative and complex tears had only 45% excellent-good scores. The results were adversely affected by the severity of the chondromalacia, work-related injury, prior knee surgery, simultaneous lateral meniscectomy, and increased knee laxity. Because degenerative posterior horn tears had such a high percentage of unsatisfactory results, the question remains as to whether all these tears need to be removed.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D002357:Cartilage Diseases / Q000150:complications; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D011379:Prognosis; D012086:Reoperation; D012737:Sex Factors