Long-term results of meniscus repair and meniscectomy: a 13-year functional and radiographic follow-up study

This study investigated the long-term outcome of common meniscus treatment (meniscectomy, repair). A consecutive series of 30 patients with open menis cus repair were compared retrospectively to 30 patients who had an arthrosc opic partial or subtotal meniscectomy. The groups were matched according to sex, age, meniscus lesion, and follow-up time. The patients were aged 13-4 3 years at the time of operation; all had intact cruciate Ligaments, and no ne had had previous surgery on the knee. Patients were reexamined at a mean of 13 years after the operation. In addition, for a subgroup of 22 matched pairs, data were available from a 7-year follow-up. Four of the repaired m enisci did not heal, and another three reruptured during the 13-year follow -up; these menisci were all excised (23%). Meniscal remnant surgery was nee ded in 6 cases (20%) after initial meniscectomy. At the 13-year follow-up t here was no difference between the groups in knee function, subjective comp laints, or manual findings. Almost 90% of the patients in both groups had n o knee problems during daily activities. At the late follow-up radiographic signs for bone spurs, sclerosis, or flattening of the femoral condyle were found in around half of the cases in each group. Three patients (10%) with initial repair and 8 (27%) with meniscectomy had minor joint space reducti on, but no patient had more severe radiographic changes. After 7 years (sub group) joint space reduction was more common after initial meniscectomy tha n after repair (P < 0.05). After 13 years the incidence and severity of art hrosis did not differ significantly between the two groups, even when only the successful repairs were compared to meniscectomy (P = 0.06).