The results of arthroscopic partial meniscectomy.

Partial arthroscopic meniscectomy has been performed in the First Orthopedic Clinic of the University of Florence since 1981. We have reviewed the first 100 cases with an average follow-up of 18 months. The results were graded according to a numerical rating system and were satisfactory in 85% of the cases. The main advantage of this difficult technique is the fast recovery rate. Other advantages are the low morbidity and short hospital stay. When meniscectomy was performed in the ACL unstable knee, the results were inferior but still acceptable in terms of reduction of the mechanical symptoms. The influence of age, sex, medial or lateral meniscectomy, and type of tear was not statistically significant. Thigh atrophy or chondromalacia significantly decreased the knee score. We believe that the single most important technical factor is to make sure that a stable, well balanced and healthy rim is left in the knee.