THE EFFECTS OF ARTHROSCOPIC PARTIAL LATERAL MENISCECTOMY IN AN OTHERWISE NORMAL KNEE - A RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW OF FUNCTIONAL, CLINICAL, AND RADIOGRAPHIC RESULTS

A retrospective review of patients who underwent arthroscopic partial lateral meniscectomy for lateral meniscus tears in otherwise normal kn ees was conducted to review the long-term functional, clinical, and ra diographic results. Twenty-six patients (27 knees) were evaluated by q uestionnaire; 20 patients (21 knees) also underwent physical examinati on and radiographic analysis. Minimum follow-up was 5 years and mean f ollow-up was 8 years. Patient data were obtained from detailed questio nnaires, knee examinations, and radiographs, Excellent or good results decreased from 92% at the time of maximal improvement to 62% at the m ost recent follow-up: 85% of patients were initially able to return to their preinjury activity level; however, only 48% were able to mainta in this level of activity at the most recent follow-up. Seventy-two pe rcent of patients had either one or no Fairbank changes and there was no statistical difference when comparing radiographic criteria in the operated and nonoperated knee, Early results for partial lateral menis cectomy can be quite good; however, significant deterioration of funct ional results and decreased activity level can occur. Radiographic cha nges did not correlate with subjective symptoms and functional outcome in our patient population. Our findings suggest that the functional o utcome for patients undergoing partial lateral meniscectomy may deteri orate with time and it may be helpful to counsel patients concerning l ong-term expectations.