Density changes at the proximal tibia after medial meniscectomy.

Trabecular bone density changes at the proximal tibia were studied after total and partial meniscectomy using quantitative computerized tomography. Thirty-seven medially meniscectomized patients (5- and 10-year follow-up) and 10 control persons were included. In the partially and the totally meniscectomized knees, the area of maximal density in the medial tibial condyle was displaced approximately 4 mm in a posteromedial direction relative to the position in the intact knees. In both partially and totally meniscectomized knees, the density in the region of tibiofemoral contact in the medial tibial condyle was higher compared with the density in the same region in the contralateral intact knees. This difference was of the same order in the 5- and 10-year follow-up groups. The density difference between the meniscectomized and the intact knees in the region of tibiofemoral contact in the medial condyle was significantly higher in totally than in partially meniscectomized patients. It is concluded that not only total but also partial medial meniscectomy is followed by density changes, occurring within the first 5 years after meniscectomy. The results emphasize the importance of the utmost conservatism in surgery on the meniscus.