Arthroscopic meniscectomy. An interim report at three to four years after operation.

Review of the records at the time of final office visits of one hundred and thirty-four patients who underwent arthroscopic subtotal meniscectomy and interview of one hundred and two of these patients three to four years after surgery revealed that symptoms related to disruption of the meniscus can be totally or significantly relieved in 99.3% of cases. Meniscal symptoms did not recur in the absence of reinjury three to four years later, despite the occasional presence of associated pathologic joint conditions. Arthroscopic meniscectomy has proved safe and effective, and it is associated with low postoperative morbidity and early return to function. Preservation of a peripheral rim of meniscus in contrast to total meniscectomy offers the theoretic advantages of preservation of some degree of joint stability and load distribution to diminish the risk of premature degenerative articular changes.