In defence of the meniscus. A prospective study of 200 meniscectomy patients.
Of 250 patients scheduled for meniscectomy 50 had symptoms which subsided and operation could be deferred; of the remaining 200 only 73 per cent were found to have a significant tear. It is shown that the risks of removing a normal meniscus far exceed those of leaving a tear in the posterior third. Statistical analysis of clinical features revealed no reliable diagnostic pattern.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D007719:Knee Joint; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012306:Risk